Alma
Portin
Helsinki
I am a second-year economics student majoring in economics at Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki. I was born and raised on Lauttasaari but recently moved to Etu-Töölö. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and exercising, with a particular passion for swimming.
Currently, I am the chairperson of Hanken’s student union and work part time as a swimming and exercise coordinator at folkhälan.
Sustainable development has always been important to me. I want to see a Helsinki that makes sustainable decisions with a long-term perspective. We should not only ensure that Helsinki is a great city today but also that it remains so for future generations.
As a student, I see that young people are underrepresented in decision-making. Youth need representation—not just because they are young, but because they bring fresh perspectives to decisions.
I have been active in the youth section for nearly a year, gaining deeper insight into how decision-making works in our city. I want to be a voice for young people and for the future in municipal politics.
Additionally, I have had the honor of serving as chairperson of Svensk Ungdom in Helsinki (2022–2024) and am also a board member of SFP in Helsinki.
Helsinki is doing many things well, but I want to work towards making it even better. As the capital, we should be a role model for other cities.
If you have any questions or ideas you’d like to share, I’d love to hear them! You can best reach me by email.
Important political topics
Sustainable and attractive planning
For Helsinki to grow, we need sustainable and pleasant urban planning. The city should ensure that there are enough green areas, even in densely built-up areas. As a coastal city, Helsinki should also preserve its beaches. New developments should not come at the expense of nature, as green spaces have a positive impact on residents' well-being.
Urban planning should prioritize light traffic (cycling and walking) and be designed in a way that encourages daily physical activity.
Helsinki, in collaboration with HSL, should also ensure that public transport is the most affordable way to get from point A to point B. This is particularly important when considering how the city can become more sustainable. Private car use and cheap taxi alternatives should be the last resort.
Sustainability aspects should always be considered in construction projects. Often, renovation is better than demolition from both a resource and carbon emission perspective. If new buildings are necessary, they should be constructed sustainably, for example, by increasing the use of wood as a building material.
The city should also strive to preserve old, well-functioning buildings. Many of these buildings are an important part of Helsinki’s cultural heritage.
Thriving citizens
Helsinki should prioritize the physical and mental well-being of its residents.
The opportunity to spend time in nature and exercise is crucial in preventing issues such as burnout and depression.
Helsinki should ensure that residents have access to affordable exercise opportunities. Investments in facilities such as outdoor gyms and fitness trails are essential. While these investments may seem costly at first, their long-term returns in preventive health are significant. A sedentary lifestyle only leads to health problems and increased costs for society in the long run.
For young people, physical activity fosters a sense of belonging, which is increasingly important in today's digital world, where many feel lonely. It is therefore crucial to guarantee that young people have access to meaningful recreational activities with low barriers to participation.
If mental health still deteriorates, support services must be readily available. Information about these services should be accessible, multilingual, and clear to ensure that no one falls through the cracks of the system.
However, the main focus should be on preventive measures, as they ultimately save resources in the long run.
Economy & Business
Helsinki should be a city of opportunities—a city that attracts entrepreneurs and innovators. By creating a dynamic and business-friendly environment, we can generate more jobs and strengthen the economy in the long run. Investments in employment and entrepreneurship are key to sustainable growth.
We drive economic growth through investments, education, and innovation. However, we cannot do this alone. Labor migration is crucial, and we must ensure that Helsinki is an inclusive city offering high-quality integration services. By leveraging the skills and expertise that labor migration brings, we can maximize the city’s potential.
Furthermore, Helsinki has a tremendous opportunity to develop its tourism sector into a stronger driver of economic growth. With the right marketing and strategic investments, we can highlight the city’s unique character and attract more visitors, benefiting both businesses and residents.