Advocacy
We are committed to the growth and vitality of Northern Lapland. Our advocacy and lobbying priorities are based on themes agreed with member municipalities.
The aim of the lobbying is to improve the region’s accessibility and labour supply, to promote housing development and future energy solutions. The municipality can also take a stand on issues of topical interest to local people, where a regional input is needed.
Making an impact for Northern Lapland
The Federation of Northern Lapland municipalities (PLaky) works in regional cooperation and advocacy for the benefit of its member municipalities. We take a stand on regional and national strategies and programmes that affect the sub-region and contribute to the debate with the perspective and goals of Northern Lapland. We build cooperation and networks in Lapland, Finland and Europe.
We support a more functional everyday life and the future of Northern Lapland.We participate in development projects that advance advocacy goals, promote vitality or are topical issues of importance to local people.
Priorities for advocacy
1. Accessibility
Accessibility is a priority for regional development, vitality and security. Well-functioning transport links ensure basic services for society and the smooth movement of people. Inter-regional transport needs are also increasing between the developing municipalities of Lapland, both for commuting and for tourism.
A functioning infrastructure is a prerequisite for economic activity, regional competitiveness, security of supply and future investment. The strategic road network, which is used by heavy traffic but has little traffic, must be maintained in order to keep the wheels of industry turning.
2. Energy issues
Lapland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and Northern Lapland is involved in the preparation of the Lapland Energy and Climate Strategy. Local energy solutions are examined from the perspective of business opportunities and growth potential. The aim is to achieve sustainable energy solutions and clean fuels in Northern Lapland to promote self-sufficiency and security of supply.
3. Housing
The shortage of rental housing is a growing problem in Lapland’s municipalities. The housing shortage hampers the availability of labour and the development of economic activity in many sectors. Affordable housing is needed both for seasonal workers and for long-term housing. Attracting new residents and workers and encouraging return migration requires new housing stock and options for different housing needs.
4. A skilled workforce
The general outlook for the business cycle and the assessment of the development of the number of employees is more positive than the national average. Companies see the challenging availability of labour as one of the main obstacles to growth and development.
A positive outlook in terms of turnover, profitability and innovation development predicts a continued increase in labour needs. In the future, the availability of skilled labour will also become more difficult due to retirements and new jobs being created in Lapland. Rapid and effective measures are needed to increase labour supply and labour and educational immigration.
Frequently asked questions
-
What does advocacy in Northern Lapland involve?
It prepares statements, organises visits, participates in regional working and steering groups, initiates and proposes regional experiments and takes a stand on strategies and plans affecting Northern Lapland.
If necessary, Plaky is prepared to act quickly on current issues of importance to the citizens and municipalities, where a regional position is required.
By networking with various stakeholders, Plaky can make its voice heard at expert tables.
Its short- and long-term measures are presented in the annual action and advocacy plan.
-
What are the responsibilities of the local authority?
The local government association is responsible for the representation of interests at regional level. It gathers the views of its municipalities and takes them forward in a jointly agreed way.
Its task is to sharpen the joint message of the municipalities and make it more effective.
-
What themes do you promote in your activities?
Priorities for advocacy include accessibility, energy, housing and skilled labour.
-
How can I participate in the activities of the grouping?
The members of the Joint Board of Directors are municipal councillors appointed by their municipalities.
By getting involved in municipal politics, you can have the opportunity to become involved as an advocate for the whole sub-region.