Tampere Residents' Panel’s first year has been a success

The Tampere Residents' Panel was launched in April 2025. Invitations were sent to Tampere residents of different ages and life situations who wished to take part in developing the city by responding to surveys and completing tasks. The minimum age for participation was 16.

– The Tampere Panel was a success from the very beginning, says Taina Lehmuskoski, Planning Officer responsible for the panel.

– In the very first weeks, hundreds of people joined. Over the course of the year, the number of panellists has grown, and the panel now has around 900 members, Lehmuskoski explains.

The panellists represent Tampere residents in a diverse way. New members are continuously being recruited, with a particular need for more young people and men.

A wide range of online tasks

The panel operates mainly online. Panellists receive emails a couple of times a month informing them about open surveys or other tasks. These can be completed in Finnish or English on the panel’s own website. Participation is voluntary.

Over the course of the year, there have been more than 60 tasks.

Most of the tasks have involved responding to short or more extensive surveys. In addition, panellists have been invited to take part in interviews, workshops and mystery shopping.

With the help of the panellists, the city has been able to gather residents’ views and experiences quickly and flexibly on a wide range of topics. This information has been used to develop the city’s services and operations.

– Examples include digital ticket sales for museums, the Tampere.Finland app, the Hiedanranta Garden Party, Olkkari community spaces, Tampere Residents’ Evenings and the city’s website, Lehmuskoski lists as topics the panellists have been able to influence.

Meaningful and rewarding participation

Panellists consider their participation meaningful.

Of those who responded to the panel feedback survey, 90 per cent felt that taking part in the panel had been worth their time. More than half feel that their opinions have made a difference – even though only some of the results have so far been implemented in the city’s services.

– Overall, participation in the panel has been seen as enjoyable, interesting and rewarding. There has been an appropriate number of tasks, and they have been clear and engaging. Being involved has strengthened panellists’ sense of participation and helped them better understand how the city operates, Lehmuskoski says.

The Tampere Residents' Panel model has also proven successful from the city’s perspective. Within a year, the panel has already established its position as one of the channels for resident participation and co-creation.