Feature Stories - Municipal World

The dysfunctional council

When one councillor seems determined to make life miserable for the “team,” the absence of effective rules becomes glaringly evident. But that doesn’t mean dissent ...

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The word on the street

I have written extensively on the need for a council to establish a healthy, positive relationship with its administration. Fortunately, this is the norm for ...

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Keeping summer students safe on the job

It is the time of year when many municipalities hire students for summer employment. These young, enthusiastic, and oftentimes obliging short-term employees can provide a ...

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6 tips for innovation

The challenges facing cities are far-reaching and complex. Across the globe, urban and rural areas are grappling with the effects of climate change, shifting demographics, ...

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Run it like a "business"

I have heard it said frequently and have read it in emails and articles: government would be in a whole lot better shape “if we ...

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Being a mayor is a tough job

Last fall, there were more than 1,000 municipal elections in seven provinces and territories across Canada. For those of us who delight in following municipal ...

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7 common traps for new hires

It’s relatively easy for a newcomer to join an organization and learn the reporting relationships; the budgeting processes … all the structural things. It’s not ...

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Vending machine democracy

In ancient Greece, Socrates warned that unless citizens are trained to think politically and about the common good – current and future – then they ...

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Artificial intelligence & HR

In this era of social media and instant access to millions, everyone and everything seems to be in transition. Job postings often attract hundreds of ...

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Accountability, transparency, and living in the fishbowl

Life in a fishbowl. Living under a microscope every day. The glare of the spotlight on you at all times. That’s how I’ve heard more ...

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FCM president inspires women to shape the future

On International Women’s Day, Municipal World was proud to kick off its 2019 series celebrating Women of Influence in Municipal Government. Our first honouree is ...

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Attributes of a functional council

Many council members and members of the administration are effective at what they do and understand better than others the fragile nature of the human ...

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