The mayor of Tampere, Ilmari Nurminen, presented his budget proposal for next year on 22 October 2025. Municipal tax and property tax rates will not be increased for 2026 despite significant economic pressures.
The budget includes measures to adjust the city’s finances, reducing the operational deficit from nearly 100 million euros to 52 million. The city has begun correcting its financial course with determination and a proactive approach: approximately 60 percent of the permanent savings targets set for 2029 in the mayoral program are already being achieved.
Tampere’s financial balance program includes 112 different measures aimed at achieving savings of 18.6 million euros for 2026. Dividend targets for the city’s group companies have been increased by 7.5 million euros. Additionally, the city has conducted co-determination negotiations, successfully reaching the 10 million euro savings goal.
Despite the savings, class sizes in education will not be increased. Staffing in early childhood and basic education will grow by 45 person-years due to the rising number of children and youth. The city will also strengthen the equality funding for schools by 400 000 euros.
Tampere will continue to invest, with a significant portion allocated to various construction projects. The city plans to invest 232 million euros.
In 2026, the largest investment areas will be building construction projects (46 percent of total investments) and community infrastructure development (20 percent). These building projects mainly involve the construction and renovation of schools, daycare centers, cultural venues, and sports facilities.
A new initiative, the “Kaikkien Tampere” (Tampere for All) development program, will be launched to promote equality, inclusion, and community spirit. The program will receive 1.9 million euros in funding and will focus on different population groups and neighborhoods.
A key part of the city’s revenue base comes from state subsidies. Tampere receives the least state funding among Finland’s six largest cities and is closely monitoring the progress of the state subsidy reform. Based on the reform proposal, Tampere could receive significantly more funding, primarily through the removal of social and healthcare equalization payments. Reforming the state subsidy system is critically important for the city’s financial balance.
Tampere has been ranked Finland’s most attractive city for the fifth consecutive year (Attractiveness & Retention Study, T-Media 4/2025). Despite challenges, the city continues to grow, and investments in building Tampere’s future remain ongoing.
