Browse Our Research 

The Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG) at the University of Toronto and the Institute without Boundaries (IwB) at George Brown College have worked together on a data visualization pilot project that brings municipal finance data to life. Leveraging the municipal finance expertise of IMFG and the design experience of the IwB and School of Design at George Brown College, this collaborative project is intended to highlight key issues in Ontario’s municipal finance and illuminate them in compelling and accessible ways.
Find out more »

By most accounts, inter-local contracting and service sharing is increasing. This presentation considers a number of questions related to accountability and transparency in these types of local servicing arrangements.
Find out more »

This presentation discusses the experiences with shared services and collaboration of six municipalities in York Region: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Find out more »

This presentation explores what kinds of intergovernmental relationships exist between local and Indigenous governments in Canada, and what explains the emergence and character of those relationships.
Find out more »

The often hidden, but very important, relationship between the municipal council and the public service is a key determinant of the success of any municipality. This paper offers some suggestions for positive ways in which the CAO model can develop and warns of some clouds on the horizon that could harm the Canadian municipal government system.
Find out more »

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.
Find out more »

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.
Find out more »

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?
Find out more »