Bridging the Gap Between Governance & People : How to utilize & gain youth perspectives on city planning

Abstract

This study aims to understand how the City of Tampere's participatory budgeting initiative – Masseista mahiksia – promotes youth voices, especially for youth well-being. Before the investigation, a theoretical analysis of participatory budgeting and its relation to youth participation, as well as youth well-being and possible mitigation tactics were explored. The investigation consisted of three interviews: (1) a City of Tampere coordinator in the Masseista mahiksia initiative, (2) a Youth researcher from Tampere University, and (3) a Tampere City Youth Council member. These interviews found that to facilitate youth participation, the project needs to center around a topic that would interest and motivate young people to act. Moreover, focusing on tactics to improve youth well-being directed towards permitting young people to act freely and create connections with their physical and social environment. The interviews agreed that the Masseista mahiksia program effectively uplifts youth voices in participatory budgeting by utilizing a youth-centered topic. Masseista mahiksia was also seen to benefit youth well-being as it encouraged freedom and creating bonds with peers through activities. This study concluded that the Masseista mahiksia initiative effectively supports and accounts for youth voices, particularly concerning youth well-being.