Liveability under shrinkage: initiatives in the ‘capital of pessimism’ in Finland

This article focuses on local initiatives and the agency of residents in shrinking town Puolanka northern Finland. Structural opportunities constraints shape individual collective community, as they steer how people create develop initiatives. We discuss impact sense place among those who would like to stay their rural hometown. A group activists facetiously market ‘most pessimistic town’ world, turning shrinkange, decay, pessimism into town's brand. Beyond brand several other initiatives, which are either created by engaged or municipality-led, revitalizing enhancing liveability Puolanka. By applying ethnographic research methods, we aim show improve well-being contribute perception residents. Such jobs, albeit usually small numbers, physical space, stabilize community can bring hope a characterized increasing abandonment, loss services.