From Onboarding to Action: Assessing BC’s Municipal Council Performance Six Months After the Election

With six months having now passed since the most recent BC municipal election on October 15, 2022, it is now time for municipal Councils to shift their focus from onboarding to action. Depending on the extent of change in your community, there is often a large knowledge gap that needs to be filled with a detailed onboarding program. The extent of learning that new Councillors have to go through is substantial, including a solid understanding of the role that they signed up for, the limitations of a policy and governance body, and the ability to function as a high performing political entity. The ability to play nicely is not only about pleasantries, but is truly essential to the new Council’s ability to get things done.

At this stage, there are key questions that Council should be asking themselves in order to evaluate their performance in this important role:

Have we established a clear vision and priorities for our term?

Municipal Councils must have a clear vision and priorities for their term to ensure they are focused on achieving their goals. Councils should evaluate whether they have established a clear vision and priorities and communicate these to the public.

Have we established effective communication and engagement with the community?

Effective communication and engagement with the community are essential for any successful Council. Councils should assess their level of engagement with the community and determine whether they have established effective communication channels.

Have we fulfilled our election promises?

Councils must evaluate whether they have fulfilled their election promises within the first six months of their term. This assessment will help Councils gauge whether they are meeting the expectations of their voters and whether they have the support of their constituents.

Have we maintained transparency and accountability?

Transparency and accountability are fundamental elements of any successful Council. Councils should evaluate their transparency and accountability practices and identify ways to enhance these practices further. This may include publishing more information on their decisions and ensuring that the public has access to all relevant information.

Have we implemented any new initiatives?

Councils should evaluate any new initiatives they have implemented in the first six months of their term. This may include new policies, programs, or infrastructure projects. This assessment will help Councils determine whether they are making progress towards their long-term goals.

Have we established effective relationships with other levels of government and stakeholders?

Effective relationships with other levels of government and stakeholders are essential for any successful Council. Councils should assess their level of collaboration with other levels of government and stakeholders and identify opportunities for further collaboration.

By asking these critical questions, municipal Councils can evaluate their own performance and progress in the first six months of their term. However, it is not only the responsibility of the Council to measure their success, the public should also ask their elected officials these questions. The public has a critical role in holding their elected officials accountable and ensuring that they are meeting their expectations. While there is a typical learning period, municipal Councils must now begin to make a mindful shift to being an action focussed body. Too many Councils in British Columbia are currently stuck in-fighting, which will severely affect their ability to get things done for the community. By asking these questions, Councils can continually improve their performance, increase their efficiency, and ultimately provide better service to their communities.

Mark Koch, MPA MES MCIP RPP

Principal