There is now momentum in the city of Riihimäki

The word momentum refers to the force and continuity of a movement or event. In physics, it refers to the product of the mass and velocity of a moving object. In sports, momentum refers to the force, progression, and continuity of movement.

There is now momentum in the city of Riihimäki.

This momentum needs to be maintained, nurtured and strengthened.

The recently concluded international glass festival Finnish Glass Biennale brought a breath of fresh air from the top of contemporary art and design to the city. According to current information, the event attracted approximately 14 visitors to Riihimäki, Iittala and Nuutajärvi. The event was curated by Japanese Akira Minagawa. The event strengthens Riihimäki's glass city brand. At first glance, the first implementation of the biennale seems to have been successful. It gives us confidence to continue planning the implementation of the event in 000.

Busy activity at the Veturitallit business accelerator

During the spring, several high-level events have been organized at the Define Innovation Hub in Riihimäki. The other week, a Hackathon was organized in collaboration with Sako Oy, which loosely translates to innovation challenge. The event was attended by 18 teams who solved a challenge formulated by Sako for their own product development. Earlier in the spring, the Estonian Darkstar organized a similar event, in which just under three hundred innovators from around the world participated to solve the challenges of the Ukrainian battlefield. The best teams received a place at an event organized in Ukraine, where they tested solutions in a real environment. The export potential in the defense sector is exponential, as the defense budgets of NATO countries will increase in the coming years.

By the end of 2025, business accelerator at Veturitallit will have accelerated 36 startups, several of which are located in Riihimäki. Vaasa-based engineering firm COE Group opened a new office in Riihimäki and, according to the company's CEO, the goal is to hire 40 new employees over the next two years.

The city center and the station area are developing

Our urban environment is undergoing a transformation. Riihimäen Kotikulma Oy's new project, Junailijankulma, had a ceremonial topping out ceremony last week. YIT CEO Heikki Vuorenmaa declared that the construction industry had reached its lowest point. Varte Oy's exit from the Graniitinheikki construction site will further increase our city's crane index.

Riihimäen Tilat ja Kehitys Oy and Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) are finalizing the deals for the Matkakeskus premises. The planning and renovation of HAMK's Liikerata renovation are in their starting blocks. The city has already started the traffic arrangements related to the project.

We have also invited city residents to participate in the co-development of the Peltosaari district. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 11, from 16 to 19 p.m. at the Peltsi youth center (Jupiterinkatu 5). We welcome everyone interested in the development of Peltosaari.

Updating the city strategy ahead

The outgoing city council decided on the RakasRiksu city strategy in spring 2022. The city strategy has been widely adopted within the city organization. It outlines what our city should do, while also leaving room for creativity and chance. A change in council usually also brings with it an update of the strategy. The strategy typically aims to answer four questions:

• where we come from
• Where are we now
• where are we going
• How do we get there?

I believe that the main directions of the current strategy – an irresistible fifteen minutes city, a home for future creators, and a community of sustainable growth – are strong pillars on which it is worthwhile to continue strategic work that transcends council terms.

The analysis of the operating environment, however, needs to be updated. Preparing for various scenarios such as a weakening of public finances, a deepening climate crisis and the global security situation also keep the city of Riihimäki on its toes. The city's ownership policy and deepening regional cooperation are also areas that highlight the importance of updating the strategy.

I am proud of the city of Riihimäki. I am proud of my colleagues. I am proud of the city council and the forward-looking development approach of our decision-makers. That is also needed in the next council term. Let's keep the momentum going together!

Next Riihimäki!

Mayor Jouni