The City Council discussed the annual summary of council initiatives at its meeting. A total of nine council initiatives were submitted in 2025. Eight of these have been completed either in 2025 or 2026.
The only initiative that was still open was the council initiative of the Outokumpu Social Democratic council group. “High unemployment rate and declining industrial jobs” (29.9.2025 § 78). The initiative expressed concern about the unemployment situation in Outokumpu and the decline in industrial jobs, as well as a proposal to hire a business agent or business representative for the city.
Outokumpu's unemployment has long been higher than the national average, and the phenomenon is partly structural after the end of mining operations. A significant proportion of the unemployed are over 55 years old, and according to forecasts, unemployment will decrease partly due to natural retirement over the next ten years.
"We are trying to do everything we can to get people employed," he said. Mayor Päivi Lintumäki.
Several concrete actions to strengthen vitality
The presentation to the council broadly described the measures already taken and ongoing as a result of the above-mentioned initiative. The city's 2026 budget has allocated an additional allocation of EUR 100,000 for employment management, with a focus on reducing long-term unemployment and youth unemployment.
The measures include, among other things, strengthening the work ability coordinator resource, various support models for job seekers and employers, preparing a business incubator for the Industrial Village, and targeted training for the industry's workforce needs. In addition, the city has proposed launching degree-preparatory training (TUVA) for Riveria in Outokumpu from the beginning of 2027.
Industrial village and corporate acquisition in focus
The importance of the Outokumpu region's industrial village in terms of employment and vitality is central. The companies operating in the area employ hundreds of people in total and generate annual turnover of hundreds of millions of euros. However, the conditions for growth are challenged by, among other things, construction costs, decreasing investment subsidies and global market changes.
The city is investigating the development of infrastructure for industrial plots and the zoning of new industrial areas. The goal is to improve Outokumpu's competitiveness and attract new companies to locate in the area.
– Industry and the extractive industry are Outokumpu's strengths, and there are good opportunities for many companies, says Roivas.
In order to clarify the duties of the CEO of the Industrial Village, it has also been deemed necessary to separate the duties of the CEO of the Industrial Village and the Kummu Homes. In the future, the working hours of the CEO of the Industrial Village will be roughly divided so that two days are tasks related to the vitality of the city and three days are tasks of the CEO of the Industrial Village.
The cooperation with Business Joensuu on business services has been intensified since the beginning of 2025, and investment procurement targets are monitored regularly. The aim of the cooperation is to support the growth, internationalization and creation of new jobs of companies.
The City Council decided to mark the submitted report as a response to the initiative of the Social Democratic Council Group and to declare the initiative as fully processed.
Regional strengths must be developed
The council meeting also included a speech from Business Joensuu as an expert consultation.
– We need to focus on the region's strengths and strive to develop them. Outokumpu has a great tradition in mining and this needs to be strengthened – and companies related to the metal industry need to be further strengthened, he said. Business Joensuu CEO Tomi Haring.
Service Director Mervi Leminen presented various trainings offered by Business Joensuu for companies from the growth phase to the needs of developing companies.
Outokumpu's "face" and visible contact person for companies is Business expert Jaana Karppanen.
– Last year at Outokumpu we had 119 customers and 64 customers in long-term coaching, Karppanen says.
– This year, the goal is to add ten companies to Outokumpu.
Mervi Kontturi, Key Account Manager, Extractive Industries opened the Invest in operating model and what kind of companies would be needed in the region.
– There are projects underway that target Outokumpu. Together with GTK Mintec, the City of Outokumpu and the Industrial Village, we have been considering a further strategy for the Outokumpu Mining Hub project. The goal is to establish an innovation center in Outokumpu that offers the best, sustainable and comprehensive solutions for the mining industry.
– I am looking forward to growing Outokumpu through new companies, says Kontturi.
Two council initiatives were submitted at the meeting and sent for preparation.
After the regular meeting ended, the councilors went on an Easter egg hunt.
The City Council agenda and minutes can be found in the Dynasty system.
The City Council meeting recording is available on YouTube until the next meeting.
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