We are excited to present an all-new resource for members: our strong mayor powers toolkit with the first iteration of key findings from primary research conducted among our members and chief administrative officers across the province.
With the help of municipal staff across strong mayor municipalities, we were able to monitor and assess how mayors, and municipalities, have used and implemented strong mayor powers, and its effect on municipal staff and communities. Thanks to a 74% response rate, further supported by publicly available information, we were able to identify key findings in strong mayor legislation interpretation, approach and practices, particularly with respect to impacts to municipal senior leaders and staff.
Our strong mayor powers toolkit and authorities scan:
- Provides members with information to compare strong mayor power use and practice across the province
- Allows us to better understand the impacts to municipal governance, structures and staff and continue to support municipalities who are transitioning or may be added to strong mayor systems
- Invites discussion and continued conversation toward developing better legislative solutions that meet government objectives
Data is primarily compared across population groupings in relation to powers associated with municipal administration, accountability and transparency in decision-making, budget and committees. Highlights from the research indicates mayors’ retention, use and implementation of the powers afforded to them are:
- Creating an operational and administrative burden on municipal staff to support the interpretation and implementation of powers;
- Blurring the lines of political and administrative authority, particularly between the mayor and chief administrative officer;
- Creating inconsistencies and at times, a lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making; and
- Leaving staff employment, well-being and effectiveness at the discretion of the mayor.
At times, the powers appear to have streamlined governance and decision-making, but they have also put municipal service and administration at risk with uncertainty and changes to organizational structure and staffing. We have long held the position that there remain opportunities to strengthen municipal administration through clarifying the roles and responsibilities between chief administrative officers (CAOs) and mayors (or head of councils) to distinguish between administrative and political responsibilities. It is with this and the data in mind, that we reaffirm our opposition to strong mayor powers related to the CAO and staff.
Only time will tell what kind of outcome mayoral decisions will have on municipal financial sustainability, budget decisions, organizational structure and staffing. With various provisions and limitations of powers yet to be tested, we are continuing to monitor the impact of strong mayor powers on municipal governance structure, staff and relationships, and will update the toolkit as more information becomes available.
Download the Research Insights
For more information or to speak with our Policy and Government Relations team, please contact us.