Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration | 2026
Authors: Stenhäll J.
DOI: 10.58235/sjpa.33739
Journal: Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration
Year: 2026
Publisher: University of Gothenburg School of Public Administration
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Cited by: 0
This article examines the challenges and opportunities of delivering urban policies through case studies of light rail projects in two Finnish cities, Tampere and Turku. Both cities initiated their light rail projects in the early 2000s, but only Tampere's light rail system has been implemented. The article explores why similar projects led to different outcomes and different timelines for related development. The first theoretical framework focuses on “transit-oriented development”, which promotes sustainable urban growth through transit systems, for example light rail projects that also offer economic benefits among other possible goals, such as reducing ecological footprint and segregation. Another key framework involves examining the interactions between public officials and decisionmakers, where local culture and relationships influence project advancement. The article uses documentation from city councils and interviews with key civil servants and decisionmakers in both cities. It finds that in these two cities geography, economic factors, and political support differ significantly, affecting project success. While rational arguments are important, aligning beliefs and goals among stakeholders is crucial for progress. Among other factors, differences in decision-making cultures have led to divergent outcomes in each city's transit-oriented development efforts. © 2025 Jaakko Stenhäll, e-ISSN: 2001-7413
public decision-making; public management; transit-oriented development; urban development