OmaStadi is Helsinki’s participatory budgeting platform, through which residents help decide how the city allocates €10 million. The current round launched in autumn 2025, with proposals accepted from 22 September to 5 October 2025, followed by voting in March 2026, co-creation in spring 2026, and implementation from autumn 2026.
The process is run by the City of Helsinki and combines online participation with in-person workshops. According to the project page, residents and city employees work together to develop project plans, which are then commented on by the public on the website and refined in co-creation meetings. A public planning event was scheduled for 27 May 2026 at the Central Library Oodi, one of Helsinki’s main public venues. No prior registration is required for that session.
OmaStadi is designed to give residents direct influence over local spending and to translate ideas into concrete projects. The platform currently presents selected proposals across different districts and themes, such as sports and outdoor recreation, parks and nature, well-being, and local improvements. Example proposals include additional outdoor gyms in Central Helsinki, renovation of the Seurasaari bathing area, a public sauna and winter swimming place in Southeastern Helsinki, and protection measures for Lapinlahti Park.
The method is straightforward but multi-stage: residents submit ideas, vote on proposals, then take part in co-creation before the city implements the winning projects. The platform also lets users follow project progress and comment during the development phase.
OmaStadi is part of Helsinki’s broader participatory governance work and builds on earlier budgeting rounds. It remains one of the city’s most visible instruments for involving residents in decisions on urban improvements, from neighbourhood amenities to city-wide public space projects.