Local Government in Practice: Cases in Governance, Planning, and Policy equips students to effectively deal with contemporary challenges within local government. Through a series of evidence-based simulated cases, readers examine situations to better grasp the intricacies of this dynamic and rapidly changing environment.

A diverse range of themes, including council–staff relations, finance, planning and economic development, intergovernmental relations, environmental and health policy, and municipal regulation, provides students with comprehensive coverage of local government in practice.

• Detailed fictional scenarios supported by real-world case study boxes throughout
• An introductory overview of the history and structure of local government and its tensions, along with an introduction to the case study method
• Case activities suitable for individual or small-group assignments
• Discussion questions designed to facilitate small-group or tutorial discussions
• Glossary of key terms

A Brief Introduction to Local Government in Canada

PART I: Politics and People: Cases in Council–Staff Relations
1 – Hiring a CAO
2 – Introducing Online and Telephone Voting
3 – Changing Municipal Electoral Boundaries
4 – Blowing the Whistle
5 – Creating a Code of Conduct and Lobbyist Registry

PART II: Cases in Finance
6 – Balancing the Budget
7 – Dealing with Police Salaries
8 – Increasing User Fees for Recreation
9 – Subsidizing Transit Passes for Seniors
10 – Debating Privatization

Part III: Cases in Planning and Economic Development
11 – New Condo Development
12 – Redeveloping an Old Industrial Area
13 – Constructing a Complete Street Downtown
14 – Building a Professional Sports Stadium
15 – Organizational Structure and the Competition for Economic Development

Part IV: Cases in Policy-Making
16 – Meeting with the Premier
17 – Applying for an Intergovernmental Grant
18 – Responding to the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
19 – Negotiating an Inter-Municipal Water Agreement

Part V: Cases in Local Policymaking
20 – Opening a Safe Injection Site
21 – Creating a New Noise By-Law
22 – Water Fluoridation
23 – Banning Plastic Bags
24 – Crafting an Arts and Culture Strategy
25 – Regulating Private Transportation Companies

Conclusion

Chapter 23: Banning Plastic Bags