Munis 101

Munis 101 is designed to provide the fundamental information that any new or returning municipal elected official needs to govern their community.  This one-day course was developed using subject matter experts from the municipal sector.  Whether in-person or online, registrants can take advantage of learning from independent instructors who are experienced in the municipal sector.  This course not only provides valuable knowledge but also creates a space for networking and collaborative discussions, allowing attendees to share experiences and build relationships that will support them throughout their council term.

Course Outline

 

Role of Municipalities

  • The purpose and autonomy of municipalities
  • Provincial authority over municipal governments
  • Introduction to the Municipal Government Act
  • Types of municipalities and structures

Key Plans, Policies & Projects

  • Policy frameworks for service delivery
  • Managing key municipal plans, policies and projects
  • Introduction to planning & development processes
  • Hierarchy of planning documents and structures

Municipal Organization & Function

  • The municipality’s role in delivering service
  • Governance structure and council proceedings
  • Decision making processes
  • Understanding actions of council including voting and in camera sessions

Budgeting & Financial Administration

  • Funding sources: assessment, taxation, grants and user fees
  • Responsibilities of elected officials and administration in financial oversight
  • Key components of municipal finances, including asset management, business plans, operating and capital budgets

Roles & Responsibilities of Council, Councillors, CAOs and Staff

  • Roles and responsibilities of council as a whole
  • Duties of individual councillors, including pecuniary interest and disqualification
  • Roles and mandated duties of the CAO
  • Council’s role as an employer
  • Understanding council/staff relationships and dynamics to promote accountability and collaboration
  • Building an effective council and CAO relationship

Public Participation

  • Importance and value of public engagement to build trust and foster collaboration with residents and taxpayers
  • Differences between communication and engagement
  • The role of elected officials in public engagement processes

 

 

 

 

 

Code of Conduct

  • Legislated requirements for a council code of conduct
  • Importance of implementation of codes of conduct
  • Addressing and resolving code of conduct complaints and violations
  
Course Dates & Details