Muurame municipality in central Finland has approved a growth budget for next year. The budget aims to secure the town's financial independence long into the future. Municipal Manager Jarkko Määttänen presented the plan that keeps tax rates unchanged.
Määttänen stated the municipality remains completely self-sufficient through at least the 2030s. "We have explored ways to maintain our independence even if state funding decreases substantially from current levels," he said in a statement.
The municipal leader emphasized improving Muurame's appeal and vitality through active land policy. This involves zoning new residential and business areas, then marketing and selling these plots.
One key development area is the Punasillan business zone along Ysitie road. Officials plan large, consolidated industrial lots in this location. The strategy focuses on attracting businesses to boost local employment and tax revenue.
Muurame's approach shows how smaller Finnish municipalities are preparing for potential reductions in state support. The growth budget represents a proactive move to control their own financial destiny rather than relying on central government funding.
Local governments across Finland face similar challenges as national budgets tighten. Muurame's land development strategy offers one model for maintaining services without raising local taxes.