Kunnonarviointi

Kunnonarviointi is a systematic assessment of a municipality's performance, governance, and service provision, typically conducted by public authorities and independent evaluators. It aims to improve accountability, inform policy, and guide resource allocation. The scope covers finances, governance and transparency, service quality and accessibility, urban planning and infrastructure, social and health services, and environmental sustainability, with attention to regional development and equality of treatment for residents.

Methodology combines quantitative indicators with qualitative reviews. Data come from municipal financial statements, service statistics, statutory reports, and citizen surveys. Evaluations may include benchmarking against peers, audits or expert panels, and site visits. Findings are summarized in public reports, and the evaluation cycle is often multi-year with follow-up actions.

Common indicators include financial health (debt per capita, liquidity), efficiency (cost per unit of service), governance (transparency, citizen participation), service delivery (access, waiting times), and sustainability (climate actions, energy use). Results can inform policy decisions, funding models, and targeted support or reforms.

Stakeholders include municipalities, regional authorities, central government bodies such as the Ministry of Finance, the municipal federation Kuntaliitto, and research or auditing institutions. Citizens and civil society may participate via surveys and hearings. Critics warn that indicators may not capture local context, data quality varies, and a focus on metrics may eclipse qualitative outcomes.

See also: municipal governance, performance measurement in the public sector.