Welcome to my website!
I’m Niilo Toivonen, a 36-year-old father living in Laajasalo, Helsinki.

Getting smart things done has always mattered to me. In recent years, I’ve served in several key positions in both Helsinki’s and Finland’s politics. I’m running in the 2025 municipal elections in Helsinki as a candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). My candidate number is 939. Remember to vote on Sunday 13. April.

I have both local goals and broader themes for the whole city. I’ve published an 18-page plan, Helsinki in Transition, outlining key issues for the next council term and my solutions to them. Over the years, I’ve also written extensively about my ideas for Helsinki on my blog. Unfortunately most of these are in finnish language, but if you contact me I can translate and talk with you about these themes!

A voice for the community and a builder of bridges
Helsinki needs a new approach to developing its new residential areas. It’s not fair that people move into new neighborhoods only to wait years for basic local services. I’ve worked to make sure the voices of residents in our area are heard – and I will continue doing so.

As chair of the Kruunuvuorenranta residents’ association, I’ve pushed for accessible local services and better transport connections. I want a city that listens and responds to its residents quickly and effectively.

Let’s stop the cuts to early childhood education and invest in learning
I’m committed to increasing Helsinki’s investment in children’s learning and youth education. We must end the harmful cuts to local daycare centers and schools. Every child in Helsinki deserves access to proper materials, quality public education, and real support to thrive.

The city must do more than chase cost-efficiency. Helsinki must also act to offset the government’s harsh cuts to education and early childhood services. Our children deserve the best possible foundation to grow, learn, and succeed.

A growing city needs services and connections that keep up
As Helsinki expands rapidly, neighborhoods like Kalasatama, Laajasalo, and Jätkäsaari are being left behind when it comes to services and transport. Thousands already live in these areas – they deserve functioning local services and smart infrastructure.

I’m working to ensure new neighborhoods get:

• Local daycare centers and schools, with increased funding for children’s learning
• Smarter transport connections, including more ferry departures, opening the Crown Bridges to pedestrians and cyclists this year, and better walking and cycling routes
• Local services: libraries, sports halls, swimming pools, and access to nearby nature

Priorities for the next council term
I’ve written a detailed policy plan titled Helsinki in Transition – Key Issues for the Next Council Term. It outlines what we must solve in the years ahead, including:

• A revival of public local services
• Stronger resident democracy
• A long-term capital city strategy
• A new investment program for a new era
• Fresh ways to balance urban development with protecting local nature

Helsinki is not finished. We need cooperation, a shared vision, and a clear direction forward.

Niilo