The Local Government Cafe Podcast

Join hosts Susan Gardner and Ann Mitchell for a candid conversation with Grant Ainsley—a former journalist turned PR expert—who reveals the challenges and opportunities of communicating with the media. Discover strategies to overcome media jitters and control your narrative. Tune in as he explains how proper preparation, soundbite mastery, and confidence can transform every media interview into a...

In this episode, Bev Hendry discusses the importance of strategic planning and effective issues management, sharing her insights on how local governments can better align priorities, manage expectations, and foster productive council-staff relationships. Joining us at the 2024 CAMA conference, Bev reflects on the path that led her to local government, and the most important lessons learned along t...

Tracey Lorenson joins us to explore the complexities of local governance and how to address them effectively. From handling conflict to supporting struggling elected officials, this episode offers practical advice for municipal leaders aiming to create a strong and cooperative governing body at the municipal level.

Zoran Postic, recently announced as the new City Manager for the City of Vaughan, Ontario, joined us to chat at the 2024 CAMA conference. In this episode, we explore the leadership programs, strategies, and systems that transformed Vaughan’s Public Works Department during Postic's time as Deputy City Manager of Public Works -  creating an environment where employees thrive and citizens benefit.

Tune in as Tina Varughese delves into the complexities of unconscious bias and its impact on organizations. Hear her take on how to navigate DEI fatigue and why diversity can drive profitability and innovation.

CAMA President Tony Kulbisky reflects on the association's history and the future of local government administration. Learn how CAMA continues to prepare its members to navigate these changes, driving community success.  

Janine Windolph, Director, Indigenous Arts at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, shares her journey, insights, and best practices for fostering meaningful partnerships between municipalities and Indigenous communities. Learn about the importance of cultural sensitivity, the power of kinship, and the steps municipalities can take to build lasting connections. Building on her powerful present...

Join us in this special episode of the Local Gov Cafe as we celebrate the winners of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) 2024 Awards of Excellence. Discover inspiring stories, of innovation and community impact from leaders in local government, including initiatives in talent management, sustainability, partnerships, urban forestry, and more!

Accountability, trust, and feedback are key cornerstones of effective leadership in any organization. Dr. Wilma Slenders delves into the critical role these elements play in her work with CEOs and senior executives, offering valuable lessons for leaders at all levels on building and maintaining relationships to drive the success of their organizations.

George Cuff returns to the Local Gov Cafe to discuss the pressing issues confronting municipal governments. From the impact of education to the challenges of activism, evolving leadership styles to the importance of role clarity, uncover what it takes to lead effectively in today's complex municipal landscape.

Join us as Dr. Raeleen Manjak, an award-winning HR expert, shares her wisdom on enhancing workplace dynamics in local government. This episode highlights her unique perspective on coaching as a management superpower, the significance of psychological safety in the workplace, and the role of HR in fostering innovation. Learn from a leader who's redefining the boundaries of HR.

Mark Mullaly joins us to discuss how the liminal space of the pandemic has ushered in long-term changes for individuals, communities and local governments. Tune in to learn about the enduring impacts that have emerged – and how municipalities are adapting.

Join us as long time City Manager Patricia Vinchesi unravels the nuances and quirks of working in a smaller community. We caught up with her at the CAMA conference to talk about career challenges and opportunities, and the age-old debate: which is better small town or big city?

As flood risks mount, the City of Surrey looks 80 years ahead. Matt Osler joins us to talk about the creation of a robust Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy and the complex, multi-community collaborations behind it.

Tune in as we explore the intricate relationship between development charges and housing affordability in top Canadian markets with insights from Professor Andrew Sancton.

Join us with Sabine Matheson as we delve into Ontario's new Strong Mayor legislation, its intended role in resolving the housing crisis, and the potential shifts in power dynamics for municipal councils and CAOs. Will the side effects be worse than the cure?

CAO Brenda Orchard sits down to discuss the integral role of Executive Assistants in supporting the office of the chief administrative office or city manager - and how CAMA's new toolkit can enhance their effectiveness.

Join us as we celebrate Jim Puffalt's 40-year milestone in city management. In this special episode recorded at the 2023 CAMA conference, Jim shares the triumphs and challenges of his journey in public service. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned leader in the municipal field!

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Sabine Matheson as she shares her inspiring journey of transitioning and discusses the power of inclusivity in the world of local government.

Join us as we dive into some of the groundbreaking initiatives that earned prestigious Awards of Excellence at the 2023 Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators conference. Get inspired by the stories and strategies behind these innovative projects that are shaping the future of our communities.   You can also watch videos for all the award winning communities here: Port Hardy -  https://y...

How can we get more women involved in local government? In this episode of Local Gov Cafe, we chat with Helen Cole, a champion for this issue who is dedicated to helping women achieve gender parity in places of power and influence. Helen shares her own experiences in local government, discusses the work of the Jean Collective, A Women in Politics Initiative and offers valuable advice for women who...

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Landry, Mayor of the Municipality of Shuniah - and Ontario's First Indigenous Woman Mayor. From her diverse career in the private and public sector to her advocacy work for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Wendy shares her experiences and insights on breaking barriers and achieving better representation in local politics.

What do "blamestorming," "socializing the document," and "synergistic optimization" all have in common? They're all examples of the confusing, convoluted language that has infiltrated our government and corporate communications. In this episode of the Local Gov Cafe, we sit down with Brian Lambie, President of Redbrick Communications, to learn how to fight back against the buzzword apocalypse. We'...

CAMA (Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators) is a national association for City Managers and CAOs, with a focus on administrative excellence in local government. Executive Director Jennifer Goodine drops by the cafe to talk about her own career in local government, the mandate of CAMA, and the association's ongoing work to support senior municipal leadership across the country.

Inflation is making it more difficult than ever to run our municipalities.  Keeping all the line items "status quo" is not an option for leaders who want to deliver the best value to citizens for their tax dollars. Tune in as Kelly Rudyk (It's Logical Consulting) explains Priority Based Budgeting, an innovative approach to developing the municipal budget. This approach expands the traditional focu...