The City of Lahti employs around 3,700 employees in four different service areas. The Mayor of Lahti is Niko Kyynäräinen.
Central Administration
The Central Administration is responsible for the centralised office and expert functions of the city as well as the management of city premises. It is responsible for financial services, development services, human resources services, the City Office, legal services, corporate governance services, communications services and the Lahti Facilities Centre, Tilakeskus. The Central Administration reports to the Mayor and is led by the Director of Human Resources.
Business and Economic Development Service Area
The Business and Economic Development Service Area is responsible for promoting Lahti’s vitality. The area consists of three divisions: growth services, employment services and urban culture services.
Growth services, which include business and environmental development operations, promotion of higher education and innovation collaboration, as well as upper secondary education services. This division creates new growth opportunities for the city, pursues ambitious goals as an environmental city, and promotes employment in collaboration with businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
Employment services focus on enhancing employment opportunities and helping employers find skilled workers. These services also support integration, positive community relations, and immigration.
Urban culture services enhance the city’s attractiveness, appeal, and charm. A wide range of sports, cultural, and event services, as well as museums, complemented by the city orchestra and theatre, offer memorable experiences for both residents and visitors while preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The division also promotes inclusion and overall well-being.
The Director of Economic Development leads the Business and Economic Development Area.
Urban Environment Service Area
The Urban Environment Service Area is responsible for urban planning, urban engineering and building and environmental control. It creates the prerequisites for the sustainable development of the city and the environment, and for living, business and other urban life that is attractive to residents and customers. The Urban Environment Service Area is headed by the Director of Urban Development.
The Urban Environment Service Area also engages in regional collaboration. It is in charge of arranging public transport in the Päijät-Häme municipalities as well as official duties related to waste management.
Education Services Area
The Education Services Area is responsible for basic education, early childhood education and youth services, library and information services, as well as liberal adult education and basic art education. The Education Services Area is led by the Director of Education.