During times of crisis such as natural disasters or public disruption, municipally elected officials find themselves at the front line and facing the expectations of providing up to date and useful information to their communities. This interactive, one-day course will teach participants how to manage all aspects of crisis communications during an emergency or large-scale event. Participants will learn how to be comfortable with managing local, national, digital and social media to get messages heard. This educational opportunity will provide attendees with techniques to effectively and proactively communication with the community and media. 

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: April 16 - 17, 2025, 11:00am - 3:00pm

Register here.

The Advanced Strategies to Master Conflict Relationships workshop will take you to the next level of negotiating one of the more difficult aspects of local leadership: relationships. It will explore how to prepare for difficult conversations and provide tools for positive results and how to zero in on the causes of conflict and impasse. 

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: May 5 & 6, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:30pm each day

Register here.

Municipal leaders across Ontario are increasingly tasked with navigating increasingly complex planning challenges that demand both a strong understanding of human rights principles and the ability to apply these principles effectively within their communities. This workshop will leave councillors with the necessary context and tool to effectively apply human rights-based approach to municipal planning.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: May 8, 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm

Register Here.

As elected officials, you often face complex issues that seem to pit rights of one group against the rights of others. What do you do when faced with this? This training will help you negotiate these sensitive situations including what you, as an elected official, need to do to fulfill your human rights obligations. This 3-hour virtual event is focused on the perspective and realities of elected officials.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: May 13, 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Register here.

Municipal Codes of Conduct are extremely valuable for local councils to establish a general standard to ensure that all Members of Council share a common basis for acceptable conduct, and to which all Members are expected to adhere to and comply with. As AMO and municipalities await provincial direction, your Association has developed a course that helps and guides municipal leaders in: developing or revitalizing existing codes of conduct, establishing buy-in or ownership at council, expectations on ethical behaviour and how to ensure adherence, how to address and manage breaches, Integrity Commissioners as a supporting resource and so much more.

This training will be delivered by a leading Ontario lawyer in the municipal sphere including in that of integrity commissioners.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: May 14, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Register here.

In collaboration with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthel Centre for Holocaust Studies (FSWC), AMO is offering timely and in demand education on: Antisemitism: Then and Now. 

The FSWC is one of Canada’s leading human rights and social advocacy organizations. Inspired by the legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, FSWC works to build a more inclusive and respectful Canada by sharing the lessons of the Holocaust, advocating for human rights and combatting both antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

This two-hour training covers historic and contemporary antisemitism, how to address this, and ways to build allyship. This workshop will help municipally elected officials to better understand the experience of and serve Jewish employees and community members.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: May 21, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00pm

Register here.

In collaboration with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW), AMO is presenting a 2 hour workshop that will support AMO members to  critically examine the impacts of Islamophobia on the lives of Muslims living in Canada and how it further marginalizes Black and Indigenous Muslims, queer Muslims, and Muslims with disabilities. Participants will what Islamophobia is and how to be active allies to counter Islamophobia.

The CCMW is an organization dedicated to the empowerment, equality and equity of all Muslim women in Canada. Their mission is to affirm the identities of Canadian Muslim women and promote their lived experiences through community engagement, public policy, stakeholder engagement and amplified awareness of the social injustices that Muslim women and girls endure in Canada, while advocating for their diverse needs and equipping local CCMW chapters with the necessary resources to maximize national efforts and mobilize local communities to join the movement.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: May 28, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00pm

Register here.

The matters that come before council have changed. Councils and council members are often faced with complex and traumatic events impacting your communities. From domestic violence, to homelessness, mental health, addictions, accidents and more, understanding and addressing these issues in effective and meaningful ways requires insight and understanding.

AMO has partnered with experts in the fields of trauma and violence on a workshop that will support our members by:

1. Describing the core principles of trauma-and-violence informed (TVI) decision-making.
2. Considering decisions in ways that prioritize the emotional, physical and cultural safety of those affected by these decisions.
3. Accessing tools and resources that support the use of TVI strategies in decision-making.
4. Maintaining and enhancing practices and policies that promote safety for municipal staff, Council colleagues, constituents and the public, as well as their own well-being.
5. Demonstrating a non-judgmental, anti-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing attitude as a fundamental aspect of their leadership roles.

Full Workshop Details.

Register Here

Elected municipal officials are facing many pressures. This includes: provincial interventions in municipal matters, a lack of Council cohesion, concerns about ethical behaviour, the challenges of municipal stewardship, relations with municipal staff, the demands placed upon you by constituents...and of course your unique experiences arising from local matters. The pressure is real and we are here to support you.

As an elected official, your understanding and approach to planning and leadership will be one of your lasting legacies on your organization and community. This session will look into various elements of leadership and actions you should be undertaking.

This session will explore:
•    Stewardship
•    Strategic Planning
•    Fiscal Sustainability

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: June 4, 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Register here.

Elected municipal officials are facing many pressures. This includes: provincial interventions in municipal matters, a lack of Council cohesion, concerns about ethical behaviour, the challenges of municipal stewardship, relations with municipal staff, the demands placed upon you by constituents...and of course your unique experiences arising from local matters. The pressure is real and we are here to support you.

This session will help you demystify a number of key municipal responsibilities. Budget and strategic planning are a great internal exercise but if your constituents and community members don’t really understand what you are doing, why you are doing it and how priorities are identified and planned for, well, we all understand what the fallout can look like. This session explores the importance of and options to community engagement and how leadership is the key ingredient to meaningful and impactful local engagement.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: June 25, 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Register here.

The AMO-OFIFC Indigenous Cultural Competency Training helps build indigenous cultural competency in municipal government by providing knowledge and tools to utilize in moving improved and stronger relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This session includes both self-paced learning modules and a live virtual component.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date:

• September 24, 2025, 12:30 - 4:30pm

Register here.

Ransom ware attacks on municipal organizations are on the rise. You may believe you have your basis covered, but do you?  This workshop lead by experts in the cybersecurity field from the Rogers Catalyst Cybersecurity Centre at TMU will help you build the protections you need to keep your municipality safe from attack. This workshop will guide participants through short lectures, guided discussions, and activities. Elected officials will be provided insight and information to better understand the landscape and critical decisions related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to cybersecurity incidents.

Full workshop details.

Workshop date: October 21, 2025, 1:00 - 4:00pm

Register here.

AMO's foundational planning training provides an interactive and engaging session that familiarizes participants with legislation, processes and provides real life examples to give a deep understanding and insight into important planning matters.

Participants will learn and understand:

• The need and importance of planning
• The planning hierarchy (policy, legislation, regulations etc.) 
• The process and timelines of planning.  

This half day session will walk you though important elements such as:

• Committee of Adjustment application 
• The Community Planning Permit System
• Ministers Zoning Orders.
• Zoning applications using a planners report that deals with an official plan amendment
• Zoning amendments
• Site plans
• and so much more

Foundations in Planning for Elected Officials prepares participants for AMO's 2.0 planning training: Advanced Land Use Planning a Deeper Dive.

Session Facilitator 

Ms. Brown has had a varied career working on municipal interests from a number of roles. This includes working in land use planning for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, directing the seniors’ services and housing department for the County of Huron, and managing the development of source water protection in a large area in southwestern Ontario. She recently retired from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) where she held the role of Senior Advisor for energy, environment and land use planning. 

Ms. Brown also was a board member at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre for a number of years, was a sessional instructor at Western University in rural health and was the Executive Director of The Ontario Rural Council. Cathie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Masters of Public Administration.

Asset management is about making informed, evidence-based decisions that help you allocate limited resources effectively and prioritize infrastructure investments. It’s a powerful planning tool that allows you to shape the future of your community by targeting the areas that matter most.

This interactive workshop offers local government staff and elected officials the opportunity to explore how asset management not only fulfills legislative requirements but also enhances decision-making and strengthens service delivery. Through practical examples and engaging discussions, participants will learn how to apply asset management principles to set strategic priorities, plan budgets, and align services with community needs. The workshop will also prompt reflection on the most critical services and what’s required to sustain them for the long term. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to embed asset management into everyday planning and policy-making, ensuring their community’s success for years to come.

Session Facilitator

Christina Benty

Christina Benty, MA is speaker, facilitator, published author and an executive coach for governing bodies and senior management teams. She works with leaders and organizations who want to build a culture of excellence in an environment that is kinder, wiser, and more conscious. Her superpower is that she speaks about asset management with energy and enthusiasm. As former Mayor for the Town of Golden, Christina is passionate about leadership development, organizational culture, and change management. She believes in the importance of cultivating leaders who lead from the inside out.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has developed advanced land use planning training that supports Ontario’s elected officials in the strategic decision making and management of the many facets of land use planning.

Land Use Planning - A Deeper Dive, will develop your skill on addressing complex planning matters that rely on political acuity and how to apply this to the planning challenges you face at the local level. Building on AMO’s Land Use Planning – The Fundamentals,** this course examines, from a strategic perspective, the planning process and the complexities that people can bring to the process. Over three hours, participants will engage in case studies and real life examples that are analyzed and understood through instructor lead instruction and group discussion.

Session Facilitator

Ms. Brown has had a varied career working on municipal interests from a number of roles. This includes working in land use planning for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, directing the seniors’ services and housing department for the County of Huron, and managing the development of source water protection in a large area in southwestern Ontario. She recently retired from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) where she held the role of Senior Advisor for energy, environment and land use planning. 

Ms Brown also was a board member at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre for a number of years, was a sessional instructor at Western University in rural health and was the Executive Director of The Ontario Rural Council. Cathie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Masters of Public Administration.
 

This training is an opportunity to gain skills in building collaborative relationships and negotiating difficult ones in your role as an elected municipal official.

Elected officials run for municipal office for a variety of reasons which include providing leadership, stewardship and improving their local communities.  

However municipal life is very much a people-oriented business, meaning elected representatives must engage in and build a wide variety of relationships with constituents, municipal staff, other elected officials, other orders of government and community organizations to name a few.

Not all relationships are smooth sailing and conflicts are inevitable. Sometimes the waters become choppy especially when navigating challenging relationships and conflict situations.

Having conflict-free and collaborative relationships can play a significant role in helping locally elected officials carry out their collective responsibilities as decision-makers of their communities.

During this 2-part virtual, interactive workshop, we will explore the constructs, traps and pitfalls of conflict relationships, why relationships may go wrong and how to approach, plan and execute relationships successfully using practical tips, tools and real-world examples.

Who Should Attend?
Locally elected municipal representatives.

Learning Objectives:

• The typical patterns of behaviour that give rise to creating “conflict traps” and how to escape from them.
• The secrets of neuroscience and how this knowledge can give us a heads-up on what we should do in the moment.
• Understanding conflict styles and how these can create obstacles or pave the way toward collaboration.
• The importance of moving from a position-based to an interest-based approach in order to create a win-win, value-add relationship.
• The roles of empathy and assertiveness is relationship formation.
• Learning effective and practical communication tools which include:
  • Avoiding communication blockers
  • First words to use
  • The difference between Acknowledging vs. Agreeing
  • A simple yet powerful 4-step technique to assist in having better and more collaborative conversations.

Session Facilitator

Sharad Kerur

This workshop will focus on the importance and opportunities in embedding equity, inclusion and innovation within municipal decision-making processes, policies, and innovations. Through presentations, discussions, and interactive activities, elected officials will explore practical strategies to create more inclusive and equitable local governance and service delivery.

Delivered by award-winning equity and inclusion consultant and municipally elected official in Ontario, Colleen James understands how equity, inclusion and innovation is applied in the municipal context. Through presentations, discussions, and activities, her workshop will explore:

• the role of equity, inclusion and innovation in municipal governance;
• fostering innovation through inclusive municipal leadership;
• policy development for equitable municipalities;
• strategies, tools, and frameworks for embedding equity in innovative practices, and navigating resistance to these initiatives

Workshop Goals:
• Understand the significant role of equity, inclusion and innovation in municipal governance.
• Explore innovative approaches to fostering more inclusive communities.
• Engage in collaborative problem-solving to address systemic barriers.
• Create action plans for implementing equity, inclusion and innovation initiatives within their municipalities.

Participants will leave with greater awareness of what it means to lead with an equity and antiracism lens. They’ll identify ways to create a culture of belonging while being provided with tools to make meaningful changes within their municipalities.

Session Facilitator

Colleen James

Colleen James, Divonify Incorporated; Regional Councillor, Region of Waterloo-Elected Official; Former Municipal Staffer. Colleen James, an award-winning equity and inclusion consultant and founder of Divonify, believes in challenging the status quo of racial equity and social justice. James has over 15 years of experience working with organizations to question racial inequities and embrace the differences that exist within their workforce.  Growing up as a first generation Canadian, Colleen was empowered with the understanding that being Black was something to be celebrated. Her parents taught her she belongs in all spaces, especially the ones history excluded her from. Despite their support, growing up James was no stranger to racism, with stereotypical assumptions made about her appearance and level of education. Knowing systemic change is needed to create true spaces of belonging, Colleen has made it her mission to generate innovative solutions addressing equity, diversity, inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada in 2020 and one of the top DEI persons of the year in 2021, James has worked with many organizations leading thought-provoking discussions that challenge assumptions. Enabling leaders to deepen their understanding of power and privilege, she empowers her clients to rethink their outdated business models and create more equitable outcomes for everyone within their organization. As a former Professor and Program Coordinator in the School of Business at Conestoga College, James challenged her students to better understand and own the possibilities of their diversity. Colleen sits on several committees and is involved in many collaborative projects, one being the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, with whom she has established the James STEM scholarship award. She holds an Honours B.A. degree in history political science and Caribbean studies from the University of Toronto and has a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy. Colleen was born, raised and currently resides in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband and daughter.

 

Accessibility and inclusion are more than meeting your obligations under Ontario’s AODA Standards. Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees provide important insight and direction for municipalities in building accessible and inclusive communities.

AMO has partnered with the Abilities Centre to enhance elected officials understanding and approach to inclusion. The Disability Inclusion Workshop and Panel Discussion will highlight best practices and provides a platform for local leaders to reflect on your own and your organizations knowledge and approach to inclusion.

You will leave this workshop with a greater depth of knowledge and understanding that is essential to providing access and the ability to enjoy your community.