The Rovaniemi township decree was a pivotal decree that reshaped the administrative and economic landscape of Rovaniemi, Finland. Before this decree, Rovaniemi was part of a larger rural municipality, where local governance was often challenging due to its wide-ranging nature. The push for Rovaniemi to become an independent market town was fueled by a growing population and an increasing demand for localized governance. As a result, the need for better infrastructure, services, and administrative efficiency became apparent to residents and local leaders alike.

In June 1928, as the decree was promulgated, it outlined specific administrative powers that Rovaniemi would gain as a market town. These included the authority to establish local regulations, manage communal services, and develop economic strategies that were more suited to the town's unique context and needs. The transition process was anticipated to not only streamline governance but also attract economic activities that could benefit the local population.

The new designation as a market town officially took effect on January 1, 1929, providing Rovaniemi with a renewed sense of identity and purpose. Local leaders were hopeful that this change would enhance Rovaniemi's status in Finland, positioning it as a vibrant center for commerce and community interaction. As Rovaniemi embraced its new role, it began to focus on developing its infrastructure, promoting local businesses, and establishing its mark on the Finnish map as an essential urban area.