The Local Government Cafe Podcast

If you are a local government enthusiast, looking for fresh conversations over a hot cup of morning coffee (or tea or while you’re driving, or walking the dog ... you do you) ... you are in the right place. Welcome to the Local Gov Café Podcast. Hosted by Susan Gardner and Ann Mitchell, this podcast is devoted to having conversations that matter. We’ll be covering the full menu of municipal topics. You’ll discover guests who bring insight and inspiration to the issues that drive and challenge communities. We’ll be talking with leaders in policy, practice, consulting, and academia to put a spotlight on civic government and the people who make it all happen.

Speak Up! Grant Ainsley on Media Training for Municipal Leaders

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 success story.

03-04
28:12

Balancing Expectations and Strategic Priorities: Reflections on the Role of the CAO

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 the way.

12-31
16:55

Beyond Codes of Conduct: Strategies for Creating High-Functioning Councils

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.

11-26
26:38

Leadership in Action: How Vaughan’s Public Works Revolutionized Workplace Culture

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.

10-07
17:42

Breaking Bias to Build a More Inclusive, Innovative Organization

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.

09-04
24:53

CAMA at 50: Empowering Municipal Leaders

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.  

08-05
19:29

Building Strong Municipal-Indigenous Relationships

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 presentation at the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Conference, Janine imparts not only practical advice, but stories that will truly inspire.

07-02
23:10

Spotlight on Excellence: Conversations with CAMA award winners

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!

06-05
01:25:22

Accountability, Trust, and Feedback: The Building Blocks of Leadership Success

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.

04-23
24:07

George Cuff on Leadership, Governance, and the Future of Municipalities

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.

03-05
45:18

HR Strategies to Cultivate Excellence: Leading with Empathy in Local Government

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.

01-23
34:16

The Unseen Crossing: Understanding the Legacy of the Pandemic

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.

12-05
24:35

Small Communities, Big Opportunities

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?

11-07
14:49

Tides of Change: Crafting Surrey’s 80-Year Adaptation Vision

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.

10-02
12:00

Beyond Development Charges: Decoding Housing Affordability

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

08-17
24:05

Navigating the Power Shift: Ontario’s Strong Mayor Legislation

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?

07-26
30:09

Mastering Municipal Management: The Executive Assistant’s Role

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.

07-12
16:40

The City Manager’s Journey: 40 Years with Jim Puffalt

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!

06-20
17:09

Transcending Boundaries: A municipal transgender journey

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.

06-06
39:41

Celebrating Excellence: Canada’s top municipal innovators share their stories

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://youtu.be/b_s52TaxtHQ  Outrement English - https://youtu.be/q5amWEowFHU Outrement French - https://youtu.be/5UDbYkvcwfA Markham - https://youtu.be/aO6MGSGm1_E Summerside -  https://youtu.be/I_g4AUt8il0  St. Albert - https://youtu.be/dV_Nk4h_Fjc Calgary - https://youtu.be/O3foQrOTMAg  Peterborough County - https://youtu.be/X2oU29zVZD8 Muskoka - https://youtu.be/tbFLtLESHOs Portage la Prairie - https://youtu.be/93FFfOCRdsA   

06-01
01:14:40

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