Collaboration leads to cost savings
Alberta Municipalities is seeking input by June 9 on experience with municipal government structures and intermunicipal collaboration frameworks in particular. The survey is designed to gather feedback on ideas presented in the paper, Organizing Canadian Local Government, released as part of the Future of Municipal Government (FOMG) Project in May 2022. A recording of the May 26 webinar featuring the report’s author, Zachary Spicer is now available here.
The main takeaways from Spicer's paper and webinar are:
- One size does not fit all. Each government structure has its pros and cons. Communities must determine the government model that works best for them.
- In general, top-down forced amalgamation by provincial governments has not resulted in the cost savings that were anticipated.
- Intermunicipal collaboration, also referred to as “self-organizing,” can provide efficiency and cost savings.
- Further research on Alberta’s local governments, particularly the governments of small and medium-sized communities, would be beneficial.
What do you think of these findings? Share your thoughts here.
The next paper in the FOMG series focuses on population growth and aging in the province. Register for a webinar with the report's author, Kevin McQuillan, from the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy on Monday, June 20, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. He will discuss the results of the latest census and explore factors that influence population growth and decline.
