Erica
Kekäläinen

Making early childhood education free for all would increase accessibility and reduce financial barriers for families. At the same time, we must ensure that resources are sufficient to guarantee high-quality education, adequate staffing, and small group sizes. A possible solution could be a gradual transition, prioritizing families who need it the most.

Both traditional textbooks and digital learning materials have a place in schools, and the choice should be based on what best supports student learning. Textbooks provide a stable foundation and reduce digital overload, while digital tools can serve as valuable complements. The key is balance and pedagogical flexibility, students should have access to the resources that best meet their learning needs.

Sports facilities and recreational opportunities are important for public health and residents\' well-being. At the same time, investments must be economically sustainable and fairly distributed so that everyone, regardless of background or neighborhood, has access to sports and exercise. It is also essential to invest in low-threshold opportunities, such as parks, outdoor gyms, and accessible sports facilities, to ensure that as many people as possible can participate.

It is important that all residents who want to participate in cultural activities have the opportunity to do so in some way. Culture contributes to well-being and community, but investments should be balanced and accessible to different groups. This includes supporting both professional culture and low-threshold activities while ensuring that geographic and economic barriers do not limit participation.

Participatory budgeting strengthens democracy and gives residents a concrete opportunity to influence how municipal funds are used. When people can take part in decisions about their local environment, engagement and trust in decision-making increase.

A well-functioning public transport system makes the city more accessible, reduces traffic congestion, and contributes to a more sustainable urban environment. No one should have to rely on a car to get to work, school, or leisure activities. Helsinki should continue to develop public transport by increasing service frequency, improving connections, and investing in sustainable solutions such as electric buses and trams.

Why not? Many people live and work in multiple municipalities and contribute to their development. A digital municipal residency could allow more people to engage and access services in the places where they actually spend time. At the same time, it is important to evaluate how tax revenues and resources are fairly distributed among municipalities to ensure that the system remains sustainable and equitable for all residents.

Investing in renewable energy is important, but Helsinki has limited space for large-scale wind and solar power.

In the city center, where population density is high, high-rise buildings are often the best solution to optimize space and provide more housing. At the same time, it is important to mix housing types in other areas so that Helsinki can offer homes for different life situations and needs. Smart urban planning ensures that everyone can find a home that suits them, whether it\'s a rental, an owner-occupied apartment, or another housing solution.

Anonymous recruitment can be a useful tool to prevent discrimination and ensure that hiring decisions focus on competence.