The Local Government Cafe Podcast

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 o

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

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 offi

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

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

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 n

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 partners

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

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

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, ev

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 persp

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 lea

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 tal

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 comple

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

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

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 CA

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 chal

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

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 c