As one municipality

MDI is carrying out the “As one municipality” (Kuin yksi kunta) workshop series for the Association of Finnish Municipalities (Kuntaliitto). The aim is to strengthen cooperation between municipalities and the “as one municipality” mindset in the organisation of services. The starting point is the need to explore the possibilities in respect of sub-regional cooperation and to engage different municipalities and sectors in developing collaboration.

The work proceeds in stages: first a shared knowledge base is compiled and a sub-regional forecast is prepared, after which a kick-off event for municipal directors and thematic workshops for different sectors are organised. The method is a development process based on foresight, a shared knowledge base and service-specific ideation, in which a service network review serves as one perspective for illustrating cooperation opportunities.

The concept is piloted in the Päijät-Häme region. The work culminates in a closing seminar, with the final output being a written report compiling conclusions and recommendations for the 9further advancement of cooperation between municipalities.