Spotlight on Partnership- Meet Elva Municipality Estonia

Elva Municipality
Elva Municipality is one of eight local municipalities in Tartu County, spanning 732.27 km² and encompassing one town (Elva), six small townships, and 78 villages. As the local administrative body, the Elva Municipal Government is responsible for fostering regional development and ensuring the well-being of residents.
Their core functions include:
- Strategic planning and development to support economic growth and sustainability
- Providing essential services, such as education, social welfare, waste management, and infrastructure maintenance
- Financial planning and budget management to allocate resources effectively
- Enhancing social welfare and healthcare to support community needs
- Promoting culture, sports, and community engagement
- Encouraging innovation and digital solutions for a smarter, more connected municipality
Operations are guided by the Elva Municipality Development Plan, which emphasises openness, innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. A team of 67 dedicated professionals leads initiatives to advance these goals.
They actively collaborate with the Association of Municipalities of Tartu County, local enterprises, and community organizations to drive progress and foster a vibrant, well-connected municipality.

Elva Municipality’s Role in the Digital Rural Project
Elva Municipality is strongly aligned with the Digital Rural Project, which aims to harness digitalisation for local development and community empowerment. We are committed to bridging the gap between urban and rural areas by integrating innovative digital solutions into municipal services and daily life.
Key initiatives include:
- Enhancing digital connectivity to improve accessibility and service delivery
- Promoting e-governance and digital literacy to empower residents
- Supporting businesses and local enterprises through digital tools and innovation
- Collaborating with regional and national partners to share best practices and drive digital transformation
By embedding digitalisation into sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness strategies, they contribute to a resilient, future-ready rural landscape. Their goal is to create a digitally connected community where all residents and businesses can thrive

Digital Rural Project Team
Jaanika Saar
Sirli Pippar
Simmo Saar
Kayvo Kroon
Hegri Narusk