Rauma strategy survey: Respondents want investments in employment, diverse services, and the living environment
Uutinen
A total of 583 people responded to the strategy survey conducted by the City of Rauma at the end of 2025. Families with children formed the largest group of respondents, which was reflected in the results in terms of the emphasis on services, everyday life, and safety, among other things. The results of the survey will be used when updating Rauma’s city strategy, which guides decision-making and development until 2035.
Rauma is perceived as safe and functional ─ but there is room for improvement
Overall, the results of the strategy survey paint a picture of Rauma as a safe, distinctive city with a strong identity, whose strengths lie in its culture, maritime heritage, history, and pleasant everyday life. Other strengths include the smooth running of daycare centers and schools.
Among all respondents, the most important factors for Rauma’s development were the creation of jobs, diverse services, and a pleasant and safe living environment. For young people, employment opportunities and cultural and event offerings were key, while families with children emphasized the smoothness of everyday life, safety, and quality of housing. When respondents were asked what should be taken into account in planning Rauma’s future, their expectations focused simultaneously on economic vitality, social well-being, and regional equity.
Community spirit, identity, and cultural and leisure services increase the appeal of the area
In terms of appeal, Rauma is considered a very functional and pleasant place to live. Community spirit, identity, and cultural and leisure services are considered clear strengths. There was a desire for development in the health and social services provided by the welfare sector, in increasing job and career opportunities, and in opportunities for residents to participate and influence.
Vitality requires better transport connections and innovation
In assessments of vitality, the strengths that emerged were investment in growth sectors, business operating conditions, and well-being, sports, and cultural services. Development was needed in transport connections and accessibility, as well as in increasing experimentation, innovation, and international attractiveness.
Strengths should be communicated more visibly and narratively
Culture and events are clear strengths in terms of Rauma’s appeal. Small events were also seen as significantly increasing the city’s appeal. Rauma’s brand and ability to generate positive interest were rated positively, and tourist attractions were considered appealing. Strong community spirit and identity, as well as pride in the local area, were also seen as strengths. There was still room for improvement in communicating strengths, visibility, and cooperation. Community projects and stories could be better utilized to enhance attractiveness.
The mayor was surprised by the high level of interest
The survey revealed interest and strong commitment to the future of Rauma. The survey, which received an exceptionally large amount of feedback, was open for three weeks, and ten Rauma product bags were raffled off among the respondents as an incentive.
─ People did not respond just for the chance to win prizes. Such a large number of respondents and nearly 150 pages of open-ended answers is exceptional for a strategy survey. We are getting a broad and diverse view of how Rauma is perceived and what issues the city’s residents and stakeholders believe should be given particular attention in the strategy work. The respondents have clearly taken the time and thought to share their views, and we would like to express our warmest thanks for that, says Mayor Esko Poikela with satisfaction.
Strategic directions to be clarified in April
The strategy update began at the end of 2025 with a current state analysis. The direction and strategic goals for Rauma’s development have already been discussed with business leaders and at a full-day strategy seminar held by the city council. The survey results and open responses were a key part of the background material for the work.
─ The strategic objectives will next be discussed by an expanded management group consisting of leading officials and at a city board workshop in February. We aim to have the draft strategy finalized during the spring so that the council can approve it at its April meeting, says Sari Salo, the director of the division responsible for strategy work.
Brief overview of the development of Rauma’s strategy
The city strategy is revised at the beginning of each council term, when the council sets its own objectives and draws up a strategy based on them. The three key objectives of the current strategy, a vibrant, attractive, and influential Rauma, will remain the cornerstones of the strategy, and the strategy work will focus on defining development priorities and concrete objectives and measures to achieve these goals. The views of residents and stakeholders have been gathered through a strategy survey to support this definition work.
