Projects aiming to add more greenery to the city and facilities promoting active lifestyles emerged as the winners in Tallinn's 2024 participatory budget vote. One million euros have been set aside in the budget for the realization of these projects.
For the upcoming year, Tallinn's budget allocates nearly 396 million euros for educational operations, representing almost 41% of the total operating costs. The primary focuses include the transition to Estonian-language education, increased investment, and raising the minimum wage for teachers.
Since opening in mid-November, Tallinn's ice rinks have already welcomed over 20,000 visitors within three weeks. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the winter season at Tallinn's ice rinks – local schools can organize free skating sessions, and seniors have special times set aside for complimentary visits.
The Tallinn City Government has decided to increase several social benefit rates from January 1, 2024. In response to the rising cost of living, the city is raising the income threshold to 360 euros and the financial support for the beginning of the academic year from the second grade to 100 euros. Additionally, benefits for children with disabilities and pension supplements will also see an increase.
Tallinn’s 2024 budget in the urban planning and heritage conservation sector focuses on planning new kindergartens, valuing historical urban spaces, and modernizing information systems for more efficient and faster planning processes.
Families in Tallinn with more than one child attending kindergarten will now benefit from a fee exemption for the second child onwards. Previously, both the child and parent needed to be registered at the same address, but starting next year, it will suffice if both the parent and children are registered as Tallinn residents.
Tallinn has been selected as the host city for the 2025 International Children's Games that takes place under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee. Last week, Igor Topole, President of the International Children’s Games, and Secretary General Hugh Waters, visited Tallinn to inspect its sports infrastructure and met with city leaders to discuss the details of organizing the event.
Tallinn Central Library and its branch libraries will open from 9 AM during the first half of next week, from January 22 to 24, coinciding with the beginning of the teachers' strike. They welcome children and students to come in for reading and studying.
As the nationwide strike of general education school teachers begins on Monday, January 22, most of Tallinn's municipal general education schools will participate. Starting from Wednesday, January 24, support strikes will also be initiated by employees of pre-school, hobby, and vocational education institutions.