While the dust settles on the provincial election results and the government transitions to its new BC Conservative leadership, organizations can’t lose sight of the opportunity that the municipal results from earlier this month also present for advocacy. Global Public Affair’s Senior Advisor, Tracy Gray, shares her thoughts on what’s next in B.C.’s municipal space.
A Change Civic Election – What’s Next?
It was a change election in many municipalities across British Columbia with approximately 57% new mayors and 53% new councillors. This includes nine returning former mayors. There were also approximately 41% new electoral area directors.
The province-wide voter turnout was 32.8%, an increase of 3.6% over 2022’s 29.2%, though turnout was close to the twenty-year historical average of 31.9%.
Speaking from experience, serving previously on Kelowna City Council and Central Okanagan Regional District, with so many new faces around tables, there will surely be big challenges and new opportunities.
A Functioning Team
Depending on a new council make-up, it could take time for the dust to settle and for individuals to move on (hopefully) from campaign debate jabs and clashing endorsements. Past conflicts could resurface while newly aligned friendships emerge.
Regardless of individual divergent beliefs on policy and direction, it is important for a mayor to set the tone early for expectations of mutual colleague respect and good governance – whether behind closed doors or in the public realm. Every person on council, including the mayor, is one vote. Little can move forward without some common ground and consensus.
Who’s in Charge Now?
The outgoing council, regardless of whether an individual member lost the election or chose not to run, continues in office and can continue conducting council business during the “transition period”, which runs from election day until the newly elected council takes office. The swearing in ceremony/inaugural council meeting generally occurs within three weeks of election night.
First Priorities
Human resource activities: It’s a learning curve for incoming elected officials thinking they can hit the ground running the day after the election as standard HR tasks take time – key fobs/cards, activating emails, IT devices and orientation, payroll onboarding, etc…
Budget deliberations: Municipalities already have projections and council-approved financial plans; however, a new council can flip these on their side depending on who is now at the council table. Staff would have spent months preparing a budget. Council budget deliberations will be a top priority. Many will strive to make their mark early as they stand up for election promises and the mandate given by residents. We should expect some heated debates. Municipalities in B.C. must adopt their financial plans before adopting their annual tax rate bylaws by May 15th each year.
Strategic Planning: Typically, a new council holds its main strategic planning sessions to agree on priorities for the four-year term within the first several months in office. Periodic reviews often occur over the term. Because the main strategic planning sessions and first budgets overlap, this budget could be finalized before strategic planning is completed.
When to Connect
Now. Even before council headshots are taken, and emails are activated, municipal staff would be saving incoming mail. Personalized letters or cards sent by mail are less frequent than emails or private messages. These are therefore noticed and, speaking from experience, they are appreciated. Small actions that support relationship building go a long way, and genuine actions such as these are recognized.
Opportunities
For organizations who rely on municipal council decisions, it will be important to not only congratulate the newly elected, but to ensure each person on council is aware of the organizations’ objectives and potential requests – whether to continue with a policy or funding, or to switch direction. This will ensure at the minimum that someone on council will bring up the topic during their budgeting and/or strategic planning sessions.
In Conclusion
With so many new faces around council tables, respectful working relationships and clear priorities will be essential to turn election promises into actionable decisions. For organizations looking to connect, now is the time to build relationships and make their objectives known as budget deliberations occur and strategic priorities are set.