Turku's Growth Story, as the city strategy is called, will guide the city towards the 2040s. Growth is a shared journey, which is why the strategy is referred to as Turku's Growth Story.
Turku’s new city strategy has progressed in the decision-making process. The strategy has been prepared extensively by gathering background materials and engaging various stakeholders since autumn 2025. The draft city strategy was approved by the City Board on April 13 and is scheduled to proceed to the City Council on April 20.
Turku’s Growth Story, as the city strategy is called, will guide the city towards the 2040s. Growth is a shared journey, which is why the strategy is referred to as Turku’s Growth Story.
Turku is moving toward the 2040s at a time when the city is experiencing broad-based growth across most key indicators. For example, Turku’s population is expected to become increasingly multilingual and grow by several tens of thousands of people, along with approximately 20,000 new jobs by the 2040s.
"At the same time as the city grows, it is also being renewed. Growth creates new opportunities but also brings new challenges for residents, nature, and the economy. Now is the time to make choices that strengthen everyday life, regional equality, and the city’s vitality—choices that build a sustainable future and a good quality of life for future generations," said Turku Mayor Piia Elo.
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Turku’s Growth Story towards the 2040s includes not only a situational overview but also goals, a vision, values, and guiding principles for the city organization through to the 2040s. There are four strategic priorities: managed growth, social sustainability, a high quality of urban life, and leadership in nature and environmental stewardship.
"Turku has always looked ahead and renewed itself with the times. The approaching 800th anniversary invites us to continue this work. Turku’s Growth Story is an invitation to build the city together—a city that evokes emotions, cares for people and the environment, and is a good place to live. A city that makes people smile," Elo summarized.
The city strategy was built through broad collaboration
Turku’s city strategy was developed through extensive participation between August 2025 and January 2026. In addition to elected officials and staff, the process included residents, stakeholders, partners, advocacy groups, as well as children and young people.
A wide range of operational environment data, statistics, research, and reports were also collected during the preparation. Surveys and workshops were organized for stakeholder representatives, and future scenarios were developed in collaboration with a project funded by Sitra.
"Turku is growing, internationalizing, and becoming multilingual at a record pace. The city attracts people from across Finland and around the world. People do not end up in Turku by chance—they choose to come here. A key aspect of Turku’s Growth Story is ensuring that every new and existing resident feels they belong and are part of this shared journey," emphasized Timo Aro, Strategy Director of the City of Turku.
The strategy’s impact will be monitored annually
During the previous council term, Turku adopted a mayoral governance model. Under the updated framework, the city’s long-term objectives are defined in the city strategy, with impact targets set for each strategic priority.
In the implementation phase, indicators will be defined for both the short and medium term. Progress toward these goals will be monitored annually as part of operational and financial reporting.