Participatory budgeting, a model derived from the Brazilian experience, gives the public the right to propose, deliberate, and vote on a part of the city budget. Does participatory budgeting actually improve democracy, transparency, and accountability, or is it simply another consultation tool in disguise?

In several U.S states, bond approvals are put to a public referendum. This presentation looks at one such case in San Antonio, Texas. What can we learn about the politics of debt and municipal finance tools in North American cities today?

Former Toronto City Manager Joe Pennachetti is joined in conversation with Matt Galloway, host of CBC Radio 99.1 FM’s Metro Morning. Mr. Pennachetti reflects on his career in the public service and shares his thoughts on the challenges of policymaking for cities.

This presentation looks at how demographic and industrial shifts in recent decades have impacted equity in municipal service delivery across the Metro Detroit region. Could fiscal equalization narrow the gap between Detroit and its outer suburbs? More broadly, can regional governance help restart the Motown engine?

Cost overruns and schedule delays have plagued major infrastructure projects for decades. Every year, unexpected overruns cost governments tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars. This event, convened by IMFG and today’s leading infrastructure thinkers and practitioners, explores how to overcome cost overruns on public infrastructure projects.

Cities around the world are increasingly being recognized as engines of national growth, productivity, and resilience. In Australia and the UK, national policies for cities have been at the heart of federal debate and decision-making in recent years. Are there lessons for Canada?

In Toronto, tax increment financing has been proposed as a tool for funding the city’s Smart Track initiative. But would it actually work in practice? Dr. Murtaza Haider reviews land value capture projects in the United States and Canada, and shares original findings from an upcoming study on Toronto’s Sheppard East subway extension and its impact on surrounding property values.

While Brazilian cities are popularly characterized by their inequality, Brazil is also known for its progressive national urban policies. This talk explores the contrast between these progressive ideals and how they play out in practice. On the ground, how do power relations and the organization of civil society influence participatory and socially-just planning?

Mayor Naheed Nenshi is currently serving his second term and is Calgary's 36th mayor. During his first term in office, Mayor Nenshi's leadership resulted in many positive changes to Calgary to build better communities, keep Calgarians moving, and transform government to reinforce a culture of constant citizen-focused improvement at The City of Calgary.

In his first public address since taking office in July, Toronto City Manager Peter Wallace shares his perspectives on the City’s finances, and on the opportunities and challenges to achieving key social, economic, city-building, environmental, and governance objectives.