We've wrapped up our amazing visit to Helsinki, Finland. What a great city! Neat, clean, orderly and a population that's well cared for.
Helsinki's annual operating budget is about $6 billion, six times Seattle's. The city government is responsible for all social services and education, transportation, sanitation, and just about everything else except for police services which are a federal government responsibility.
My biggest take-aways from our time with city officials—
Universal, preschool education beginning at age one if parents desire and are willing to pay the approximately $300 per child monthly fee. Kindergarten beginning at age seven—yes, two years later than Seattle! An education system that provides all tuition fees, books, supplies, and for university students room and board stipends . . . all covered by the government.
Transportation systems that are fully integrated—light rail, streetcars, buses, roads, and walking and bike paths. You can get almost anywhere by foot or bicycle. The Helsinki streetcar system is wonderful and being expanded to outlying suburbs.
Taxes are high for sure. Personal income taxes hover around 50%, but marginal rates can increase that to nearly 70%. But, remember, people don't pay extra for education or health care which is universal for everyone, even foreigners who can successfully emigrate, which is very difficult; only an overage of 800 immigrants are granted entry each year. There is also 12% VAT, a "value added tax," similar to our sales tax.
City government is structured very differently than ours. The City Council has 85 elected members. This legislative body sets city policy and passes laws; their power and influence is exercised through a City Board of 15 members that serves as the administrative governing body of the city. The Board, and the Mayor, are appointed by the Council.
On to St. Petersburg, Russia next . . .