Vaasa leaders drove residents to hear their concerns

Senior officials in Vaasa drove residents around the coastal city in electric cars as part of a campaign to hear their views on local issues, Yle reports.

The city repeated the initiative after it proved successful last year. This time, more than a dozen officials took part, with 36 rides available to book. The campaign also introduced residents to the city’s Mini-Lifti electric cars.

Residents raised issues including housing, traffic, construction, zoning and the condition of sports facilities. Mika Liinamaa said he discussed traffic lights, the urban environment and building projects during his ride, and hoped his wish for more construction would reach the city’s senior leadership.

Passengers Terhi Korpi and Marjo Konttas praised the city’s free sports facilities, but said information about their condition, including ice conditions, was inadequate in the city’s apps and other channels. They also called for better promotion of sports opportunities, particularly to young people.

Housing was a particular concern for students and international residents, according to the city’s communications and marketing director, Leena Forsen. Other topics included public transport, recycling, electric cars and Vaasa’s coastal character.

City officials from several departments took turns driving. Passengers did not know in advance which department’s leader would be behind the wheel. City manager Tomas Häyry said the conversations had been a positive and interesting experience and said he would drive again if the campaign returns next autumn.

The initiative was developed to support Vaasa’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by the end of the 2020s. The city has also run a campaign encouraging residents to limit showers to three minutes to reduce energy use.