The upcoming municipal election represents a time of potential transition, new leaders at the table, new expectations, and new relationships to be built between council and senior municipal administrators. To help you manage this transition effectively, LGAA is pleased to host a 90-minute webinar that will explore the practical ways that you can set yourself up for success when working with a new council.

Speakers will include Scott Barton, an experienced administrator who served numerous councils over 25 years as the CAO for the same community and Bill Given who’s experience crosses both lines as a former mayor for 10 years and now CAO. The speakers will walk through their list of the top ten tactics for building trust with council so that the administrative and governance arms of the organization can work in stride.

Participants will leave this session with insights on:

• What discussions should take place immediately following the election.
• Practical ways to avoid unnecessary tension.
• Steps needed to align your values and vision.
• How to set boundaries and manage the new dynamic.
• Key tactics to help council place trust in administration.

We know each organization is different so this interactive session will allow you to ask key questions and seek advice through collaborative discussion with the speakers and fellow participants.

About the Speakers

Scott Barton retired in 2019 following a 35-year career in municipal government and 29 of those years in the Town of Raymond. He believes in excellence in municipal administration and helping to build capacity through strategic and collaborative initiatives. Scott has a master’s degree in business administration and firmly believes in life-long learning. After a year and a half of retirement Scott has re-entered the work force as the General Manager for the Waterton Community Joint Venture, CAO for Improvement District No. 4 Waterton Lakes National Park, and President of the Sugar City Development Corporation.

Bill Given first joined Grande Prairie City Council in 2001 as an alderman, becoming the youngest person ever elected to a seat on Grande Prairie's council at the age of 24. He was re-elected in the 2004 and 2007 elections and was successful for in his bid for the mayor's seat in the 2010 election when he became the youngest mayor in the city's history. In December 2020, Bill left elected office to take on the role of Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Jasper. Bill has a Certificate in Local Authority Administration from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University.