Partnership Tables
About this good practice
The city of Lahti and Nastola municipality merged in 2016. Initially, the Nastola Local Committee was established to maintain the area’s identity and boost community spirit.
The model was a local success, and in 2021, Lahti introduced a city-wide participatory democracy model with four regional partnership tables to address these issues.
These tables aim to improve interactions between residents, city officials, and decision-makers, providing a non-political platform for deliberation and community partnership.
Each partnership table is coordinated by a city employee who dedicates 25% of their work hours and meets six times a year. These tables not only facilitate regular meetings but also host events and “Speak out” sessions for direct engagement with residents on local issues.
Key functions of the partnership tables include:
- Co-developing city and regional projects.
- Proposing and reviewing initiatives to enhance local services.
- Encouraging open dialogue through community discussions, particularly in "Speak out" sessions.
- Participating in the idea creation, allocation of community funds, and local decision-making.
- Organizing community events in cooperation with the city and other entities, thus partly maintaining and recreating local identity.
This model aims to alleviate the initial problems of inequality and administrative complexity, fostering a balanced and participatory approach to local governance and community development.
Resources needed
The total budget is €180,000/year:
- Personnel and meeting fees total €83,000, with members earning €120/meeting across six annual meetings.
- €20,000 per table covers meeting and activity costs such as catering and venues.
- Common expenses total €17,000 for marketing and joint events.
Evidence of success
In 2022, the partnership tables hosted 20 events, drawing 4,500 attendees, and generated about 30 initiatives and statements. This new model has bolstered resident participation and local democracy significantly within its first two years. Effective collaboration and dialogue with authorities have been key, highlighted by an annual workshop on the city's budget and contributions to the city's long-term master plan, enhancing civic engagement and community input in governmental processes.
Potential for learning or transfer
The operating model is lightweight, practical, and highly participatory. It requires some level of resourcing but easily scales to suit the size of the city or municipality.
The model operates from the grassroots level upward, providing a practical avenue for influence alongside representative democracy.
Partnership Tables also serve as a tool for participatory budgeting, as each table has its own budget.
It is important to carefully consider to what extent the issues under discussion are initiated by residents or members, and to what extent the city introduces topics to the table. The level of commitment can easily weaken if there is a feeling of merely being a “rubber stamp” for the city.
Further information
Good practice owner
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