Every city wants to build its urban resilience and grow its capacity to absorb future shocks and stresses. How do local governments create cities that are resilient to the environmental, social, and economic challenges of the 21st century? What can Canadian cities do to become more resilient and inclusive?

Can debt financing be “green”? On June 21, IMFG post-doctoral fellow Gustavo Carvalho will talk about climate financing in Ontario cities, looking at financial instruments and strategies that have been successfully implemented elsewhere, with a focus on green bonds, environmental impact bonds, and green banks.

Municipal governments across Canada are increasingly looking to inter-municipal agreements as a way to share the costs and delivery of some local services. As this practice increases, it is important to have a better understanding of the benefits and consequences of service sharing in Canadian communities.

This presentation discusses one of the most important changes in municipal administration — the rise of the City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer. It looks at the development of the position, as well as its strengths and some of the shoals that need to be navigated to ensure that the position continues to fulfill its important role.

Hydraulic fracturing drilling – commonly known as fracking – makes up the majority of US oil output. Canada may soon follow. This presentation focuses on the impacts of boom-bust resource extraction cycles on local revenues and expenditures and intergovernmental relations.

This presentation explores some key challenges and considerations when it comes to fare integration in Toronto. How can lessons learned from other major cities help us to develop our own transit fare policies?

Andrew Sancton, one of Canada’s foremost authorities on municipal government, explores the role of accountability officers in Canadian municipal government, highlighting both their accomplishments and the challenges they face.

As part of an ongoing series on climate change and cities, this event features speakers from Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York, who discuss their experiences with climate change mitigation and effective steering strategies for local governments.

What tools are available to local governments seeking to share the growing risks associated with a changing climate with other levels of government and non-governmental actors?

As City Council debates the future of Toronto’s long term financial direction, what lessons can we learn from the past?