Mayor Piia Elo leads with a human touch and believes in cities driving sustainability 

As Turku approaches its 800th anniversary, Mayor Piia Elo is steering Finland’s oldest city toward a new century with a clear vision: multidimensional sustainability with a human touch. 

A seasoned politician, Piia Elo was first elected to the Turku City Council in 2008. After serving as Deputy Mayor in the previous term, she assumed the role of Mayor in June. 

Elo has left Turku four times to live and study abroad – in the United States, Sweden, and Russia – but she has always returned home. To her, Turku is an international, open, and forward-looking city with a responsibility to lead sustainable change by example. 

“Turku is not only European, but global forerunner in climate action. We are on track to become carbon neutral by 2029 when our city turns 800 years old. Climate budgeting has become a norm in our organisation and we have a roadmap toward a circular, resource-wise city. We envisage a city where nature is present and accessible to all.”  

“We make full use of our international networks and initiatives such as the EU’s mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities. But I want to underline that none of this would be possible without the long-term commitment of our decision makers, companies, and citizens alike,”  says Elo, who also serves as Vice-President of ICLEI Europe and a member of ICLEI’s Global Executive Committee. 

Everyone’s city 

For Elo, resilience is not just about climate adaptation – it’s also about social sustainability. 

“It’s a privilege to lead a growing, forward-looking city,” she says. “But it also means we must anticipate the challenges that come with increasing urbanisation. These challenges are not unique to Turku, and I am pleased to see they are gaining attention at the European level as well.” 

Elo does not shy away from the fact that Turku is Finland’s most segregated city, and vows to tackle the issue head on. The new Mayoral Programme, unanimously approved by the City Council, places strong emphasis on wellbeing, equality, and opportunities for children and young people. 

“The success of a city is measured by the opportunities we offer our children. Are we helping everyone reach their full potential? Are we ensuring equal treatment and providing support to those who need it? If not, we can do better.” 

Turku is investing heavily in schools. Elo believes high-quality basic services are essential for maintaining the attractiveness and cohesion of neighbourhoods. Diversity is one of Turku’s strengths: 20% of the city’s children and young people are multilingual, and meeting their language learning needs from early education is a top priority. 

Social cohesion, Elo says, does not have to happen by chance. It can be actively nurtured. One example is Boostii, an annual financial benefit that encourages children and young people to take up sports in local clubs. More than 10,000 young people have already benefitted from the initiative. 

“Services are important for wellbeing,” Elo notes. “But in our Mayoral Programme, we also talk about belonging. Turku may be a growing city, but as Mayor, it’s important to me that every resident is met at eye level.” 

Cities contribute to Europe’s competitiveness 

Turku is buzzing with activity. A network of pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, researchers, and public sector stakeholders is working to establish Turku as Finland’s hub for research and innovation in women’s health. Meyer Turku shipyard recently secured new major orders. The city joined the Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Team (i-team) programme. The West Railway, a new fast railway line that will connect Turku to Helsinki, is moving ahead. 

Mayor Elo, who is also a member of the inaugural class of the Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative, is closely following the ongoing discussion about Europe’s future competitiveness. 

“Even in an interconnected world, competitiveness is fundamentally place-based,” she explains. “Innovation is born somewhere. And it’s often rooted in education and research.” 

With five higher education institutions, Turku maintains close cooperation with its universities, often serving as a testbed for new ideas. Elo calls for the role of cities and local ecosystems to be better recognised at the European level. 

“Turku and other major cities have been very active in lobbying European decision-makers. Our message is clear: cities must be part of shaping policies, because ultimately, we are the ones implementing them. Let cities contribute to Europe’s future success,” she says, referring to the ongoing negotiations for the EU’s next funding cycle. 

Now, Forever, Turku 

So why has Piia Elo always returned to Turku? What makes this city in Southwest Finland so special? 

“It is a city with a heart and a soul, a long history and a strong future. For me it is home, the place to grow, to love, to laugh and enjoy and to be safe. Turku is big enough to offer all I need and also small enough to feel good and cozy.” 

As Turku prepares to celebrate 800 years in 2029, its motto – “Now, Forever, Turku” – captures both pride in its past and confidence in its future. Leading the city into a new era is a demanding task, but Elo draws inspiration from Turku’s history as Finland’s window to the West and its long tradition of early adoption and openness. 

Elo’s Turku is ready to drive the change – with a human touch.