The LHT network has an important role to play in the national and regional planning of Land use, Housing and Sustainable Transportation and urban development

MDI carried out an assessment of The Finnish national Land use, Housing and Sustainable Transportation Network (LHT). The purpose of the evaluation work was, in accordance with the ‘continuous development ideology’, to take a snapshot of the current state of play, to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the LHT network and, above all, to map the dynamics and options for reform of the current operating environment, given today’s changing operating conditions.

The LHT network plays a very important role in both national and regional land use, housing and transport planning and urban development, in particular through high-quality surveys and events as well as various other project activities. The operation of the network is perceived as being very successful and major financial investments have had a significant impact on the LHT themes. The network serves a very wide range of needs in terms of both actors and different urban areas. The network should be encouraged to continue being a nationally important forum for discussion, a pioneer and developer of the knowledge base as regards LHT themes. The network should therefore engage in a more strategic discussion on the role of the LHT network at the national level and, above all, on the phenomena and contents to which the activities of the LHT network are more closely linked.

The Finnish national Land use, Housing and Sustainable Transportation Network (LHT) is a cooperation network between 17 cities, urban areas and key stakeholders. The network has been in operation for more than 10 years. The LHT network, together with a wide range of stakeholders, coordinates the operational goals of member cities, regions and partners and serves as a platform for partnership and interaction between the state and the regions on current LHT issues.

The evaluation was completed by mid-December 2020 with the work commissioned by the Tampere metropolitan area.