Stories from the Field

Don’t just consult youth. Start building with them.

Cities are better than ever at partnering with residents to solve problems, but often still struggle to do so effectively with young people, writes Tommi Laitio, principal at Studio Laitio and a former city official in Helsinki. Here, Laitio describes his own experience working directly with youth and how city leaders are finding creative ways to do so across the world. Ultimately, he spotlights three choices any mayor can make to ensure young people aren't just participating in public life but playing a key role in tackling their city's greatest challenges.