STRATEGIC PLANNING
A Council that is aligned on its strategic objectives will see the greatest opportunities for success. At the beginning of each term of Council, it is vital that Council with the assistance of staff comes together to establish its vision, goals and objectives. A strategic plan establishes priorities so that a municipality can focus and allocate its resources to achieve its short, medium and long-term vision. A strategic plan will guide decision making into the future. By adopting and embracing a strategic plan, a municipality will position itself for success. Understanding the needs of the community it serves, receiving valuable input from its professional staff and establishing a “term of Council” strategic plan to inform decision-making are important steps in developing a successful strategic plan. Our team is experienced in consultation, facilitation and strategic planning. We will help customize an achievable strategic plan that meets the needs of your community. It is equally important to follow, maintain and update your strategic plan to adapt to new pressures as they arise. Our team can help keep your strategic plan relevant through the development of annual reporting mechanisms.
FACILITATION
Professional facilitation is a powerful tool that can help groups resolve conflict, find common ground and build consensus. Engaging all stakeholders is a fundamental step of professional group facilitation. Taking a proven scientific approach to group facilitation can yield tremendous results and pay multiple dividends. Whether it is a matter of facilitating a small internal group or a large external group, our professionally trained facilitators have the skills and experience needed to generate trust, commitment and teamwork. Facilitated discussions can build morale and help a municipality arrive at innovative solutions to complex problems.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW & DESIGN
Municipalities are faced with an ever-changing landscape. Whether it is provincial downloading, new regulations, senior level of government funding cuts, or the pressures of the widening infrastructure gap, municipal resources are stretched. It is important that municipalities are nimble and able to respond quickly to changes. Councils want to ensure that municipal resources are allocated to deliver the best services possible. Our experienced team of municipal experts will analyze your municipality’s current state and help align your organization for optimal output and performance. Doing so will ensure the highest value and return for constituents.
POLICY ANALYSIS & DEVELOPMENT
Change is inevitable. Senior levels of government amend statutes and regulations regularly in manners that affect municipal operations. Responding to these statutory changes is often mandatory and time sensitive. With significant change occurring in the provincial government’s direction and mandate, municipalities need to be ready. There are also times when a municipality may wish to amend or update their own policies. Our team has a strong understanding of municipal policy. We will use our experience and proven best practices to fit your municipality’s unique requirements.
FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
Accounting is a necessity. However, true financial sustainability can only be achieved through comprehensive financial plans and strategies, which harmonize with the municipality’s master plans and strategic planning goals and objectives. Balanced and sustainable financial plans and strategies can be the difference between stable tax rates and fee structures or sharp and unpredictable increases. Ability to the weather the storm financially is achievable with properly developed financial plans or strategies in place. Our team will help the senior administration develop internal processes, procedures and long-range forecasts, which are balanced and financially viable.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Municipalities deal with numerous challenges. From ensuring Councillors and staff embrace Codes of Conduct, to training and executive screening, and Land Use regimes you can rest assured we have the expertise to partner with you and develop the right solution.
PEER REVIEWS
MUNICIPAL TRAINING
INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER & CLOSED MEETING INVESTIGATORS
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT SUPPORT
LAND USE PLANNING
I have worked on both sides of the Council table. I have never worked with or for a municipal CAO or consultant as knowledgeable as Michael. Michael is skilled at navigating the complexities of government. Michael’s strategies help to bring clarity and order where needed so that municipalities can succeed. Michael’s vision is always insightful, creative and just what is needed. Michael has surrounded himself with a solid team that will help municipalities to set goals and achieve them.