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.

The Local Government Administration Association of Alberta (LGAA) is pleased to partner with the Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators' Association (ARMAA) to host a Zone 4 (northwest region) meeting virtually on September 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Zone meetings are an opportunity for Alberta municipal administrative professionals to connect at a regional level to discuss local and provincial issues impacting Alberta municipal governments and municipal administrative careers. 

Agenda
We are still working out details on speakers. Draft topics for the meeting include:

• Updates from key provincial government ministries
• Updates from AUMA and RMA
• Tips for recruiting talent to work in small and rural communities
• Knowledge-sharing discussions on building trust with your new council, approaches to council orientation, and workplace policies on COVID-19 vaccination, plus other topics you bring forward.

Who can attend?
The meeting is open to members of ARMAA and LGAA that are located in zone 4, plus invited guests. If you are a member and know someone that would benefit from this meeting or you want to introduce them to LGAA, consider inviting them to register and attend.

What is the cost?
Zone meetings are free for members and guests.  

Where is Zone 4?
Zone 4 represents the northwest region of Alberta. Check out LGAA's website for a map and list of municipalities in Zone 4. 

Join the Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 864 9821 3342
Passcode: 172768
Or phone in at 587 328 1099

The Local Government Administration Association of Alberta (LGAA) is pleased to partner with the Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators' Association (ARMAA) to host a Zone 1 (south) meeting for members and guests. Zone meetings are an opportunity for Alberta municipal administrative professionals to connect at a regional level to discuss local and provincial issues impacting Alberta municipal governments and municipal administrative careers. 

The agenda and location will be released shortly. 

Who can attend?
The meeting is open to members of ARMAA and LGAA that are located in zone 1, plus invited guests. If you are a member and know someone that would benefit from this meeting or you want to introduce them to ARMAA or LGAA, consider inviting them to register and attend.

What is the cost?
Zone meetings are free for members and guests.  

Where is Zone 1?
Zone 1 represents southern Alberta. Check out LGAA's website for a list of municipalities that are in Zone 1.