The recording of last week's webinar Governing Perspectives - From the Inside and Closest to the Community can be viewed HERE https://youtu.be/UBaxADMf_78 The webinar introduced the results of a survey of Alberta's 317 municipalities to portray - and the panel to discuss, how municipal CAOs and Councils view what is important in governing today and how their perspectives align - or not, among those in Alberta's regions and municipalities - cities, towns, villages and rural arewas. They ranked the importance of 10 key issues, categorized into four main areas: Provincial, Inter-municipal, Public, and Council-related challenges.
Provincial concerns primarily revolve around the impact of provincial actions on municipalities, such as (1) downloading responsibilities and resource distribution, (4) grant cuts, and the need to (5) manage diverse roles efficiently.
Inter-municipal issues highlight the importance of (6) collaboration among neighboring jurisdictions despite competitive pressures, addressing the consequences of (7) urbanization on rural areas, and promoting (8) regional governance to tackle shared challenges effectively.
Public-related challenges emphasize the need for municipalities to manage (3) soaring public expectations by effectively communicating about mandates and services and fostering (10) inclusivity amid cultural shifts in decision-making processes and community engagement.
Council-specific issues involve (2) clarifying roles and responsibilities for effective governance through training and addressing (9) voter apathy while enhancing municipal accountability through initiatives to increase civic engagement.
Episode #1 underscored the complex landscape municipalities navigate and highlighted the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, effective communication, and training to address them effectively and ensure sustainable community development.
The 3-episode series began with the Perspectives of what's important to each of the Regions, Jurisdictions, and the People doing the governing: the CAOs, Mayors and Councillors, here in Episode 2 we explore what Council members recommend for governing the various Relationships of municipalities today, and concluding in Episode #3 with their Recommendations. The series reveals much about the priorities of municipal governments and the various roles and relationships that they find themselves having to manage today. Of particular interest is what is shared as recommendations and as an opportunity to blow off steam with comments.
Episode #2. Understanding the Problems in Municipal Relationships and Their Recommendations will draw on the survey to further portray - and the panel to discuss, how governing officials of Alberta's non-urban municipalities view the problems in each of their four relationships: the Province, Other Municipalities, the Public, and Council itself including their Recommendations.
You are invited to join us in discussing the issues and sharing your views. Zoom in 4:30MST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82390691947
HOST
Perry Kinkaide editor of the KEI Network's newsletter and host of the associated weekly webinars. After immigrating to Canada in 1964, Perry's diverse career spans over 60 years with: the University of Alberta and 12-year episodes each as ADM with the Alberta Government, Managing Partner with KPMG Consulting, Founder and CEO of the Alberta Council of Technologies, and currently President and CEO of Kinkaide Enterprises. Perry is a sought after speaker - often provocative with a sense of humour, insightful about technologies impact on shaping the future, and well-know advocate of change mangement for people with disabilites, entrepreneurs and small businesses, and public systems and professions.
PANEL
Dawn Ringrose is Principal of Organizational Excellence Specialists and author of the Organizational Excellence Framework publication and accompanying toolkit. Since 1984, she has consulted to management in areas that positively contribute to organizational performance and worked with organizations across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Several of these organizations have been recognized by national excellence award programs. Dawn has been recognized by her peers with several awards and appointments that have included: Fellow Certified Management Consultant, External Team Member (Premiers Award of Excellence), Judge (Premiers Award for Healthy Workplaces), Board Member (Global Benchmarking Network), Executive Team (Organizational Excellence Technical Committee QMD ASQ). Recently involved in several exciting undertakings, Dawn has: Authored a chapter on organizational excellence published in the 'Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy and Governance', Served as Project Leader on the global research study that has captured the current state of organizational excellence; Partnered with others to include the toolkit in national entrepreneurial training and nation building programs. FOR MORE
George Cuff is a renowned figure in municipal governance, boasting four decades of advising councils and boards throughout Alberta, across Canada, and globally. Revered for his forthright counsel, he's authored over 400 articles and 10 books on local government, notably Tucker Goes to City Hall and The Mayor. Former Mayor of Spruce Grove, Alberta, and Past President of both the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and Federation of Canadian Municipalities, George garners accolades including the Award of Excellence from AUMA and FCM. A dedicated volunteer, he extends his expertise through seminars, podcasts, and advisory services, enriching communities nationwide. FOR MORE
Dennis Pommen boasts over fifty years of public service, including 25 years with municipal governments starting with the City of Lethbridge and 28 years in client-focused management consulting. His career spanned from municipal finance and engineering to city and county management, offering firsthand experience in navigating community issues. Transitioning to consultancy, influenced by industry leaders like George Cuff and Dawn Ringrose, Dennis tackled governance challenges in both public and private sectors. As a consultant, he faced diverse expectations, akin to the delicate "balancing act" of municipal governance. Now retired, Dennis remains active in community service, leveraging his expertise in organizations like Rotary International and PROBUS, while mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and volunteering extensively since his early days with the Lethbridge Jaycees. FOR MORE
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