The opportunities for residents to participate in land-use planning are broader than the legislation requires. Less active groups are activated if necessary.

At Heka, residents do not have authority in all the matters required by the Act on Joint Management of Rental Buildings. On the other hand, Heka’s tenant democracy has elements not required by the legislation. The activists for residents’ rights are unsatisfied with the actual influencing opportunities the residents have.

The implementation of the Urban Environment Division’s participatory budgeting projects has been successful, despite limited human resources and a tight schedule. However, communication about the progress of the projects and the involvement of residents in the implementation of the projects reached only a small group of residents.

Young people’s influence and participation can best be supported at school. This requires closer cooperation between the Education Division and the Culture and Leisure Division.