The AMO ON Topic podcast features updates and insights from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario on matters that affect municipal government every day. There has never been more on the go – or more on the line for the municipal sector. Follow along for interviews and discussions with municipal leaders as we work together to build strong, sustainable communities.
Looking back at 2023 and forward to 2024
AMO's Director of Policy, Lindsay Jones, sits down with Executive Director Brian Rosborough to discuss AMO's work on some of the toughest challenges faced by municipalities in 2023, including housing and homelessness.
Looking ahead to 2024, AMO is calling on the province to take part in a social and economic prosperity review to modernize the provincial-municipal partnership and build a solid foundation for economic growth and quality of life in Ontario.
2022
2022
Elections, elections, elections. Apr 5, 2022
Guest Petra Wolfbeiss on AMO's work advocating for municipal priorities in a major election year. We're preparing for three elections in 2022: the provincial election in June, AMO's Board elections in August, and of course, Ontario's municipal elections in October. Petra Wolfbeiss, Director of AMO's Membership Centre joins host Brian Rosborough to discuss AMO's work advocating for municipal priorities as we head into a major election year.
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2021
An Interview With Municipal World CEO Susan Gardner. May 14, 2021
AMO's Executive Director Brian Rosborough is joined by Susan Gardner, who recently announced she'll be retiring from her role as CEO of Municipal World. Susan discusses her 30-year career, how she got her start at Municipal World, the changes she's seen in her time at the helm, and some of her personal highlights.
We’re Back! AMO’s President talks COVID, the Conference, and more. April 16, 2021
We're back! After a brief hiatus, we're back with AMO's President, Graydon Smith, to chat about leadership during a pandemic, what the Ontario Budget means for municipal governments, and what to expect at the 2021 AMO Conference.
2020
An interview with City of Mississauga's former CAO Janice Baker. May 21, 2020
AMO Executive Director Brian Rosborough chats with Janice Baker, who this month retired after 15 years as City Manager with the City of Mississauga. They discuss her career path, working alongside high-profile characters, the rewarding and challenging nature of the municipal workplace, and how municipalities have had to adapt in the face of COVID-19.
The role of the CAO during COVID-19: Part 3. May 1, 2020
The second episode of a special three-part series of the AMO On Topic Podcast, in which host Nigel Bellchamber and esteemed academic David Siegel examine the vital role that municipal CAOs play in times of crisis – such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of the CAO During COVID-19: Part 2. April 28, 2020
The second episode of a special three-part series of the AMO On Topic Podcast, in which host Nigel Bellchamber and esteemed academic David Siegel examine the vital role that municipal CAOs play in times of crisis – such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of the CAO During COVID-19: Part 1. April 27, 2020
In the first episode of a special three-part series of the AMO On Topic Podcast, host Nigel Bellchamber welcomes esteemed academic David Siegel to discuss the vital role that municipal CAOs play in times of crisis – such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode 12: Exploring Bill 187, Municipal Emergency Act, 2020. March 25, 2020
AMO Executive Director Brian Rosborough is joined by Nigel Bellchamber and Fred Dean to discuss the document Meetings Guidance For Heads of Council, which was created to assist councils working under Bill 187, Municipal Emergency Act, 2020.
Episode 11: Communications advice for elected officials during COVID-19 pandemic. March 24, 2020
AMO Executive Director Brian Rosborough speaks with Brian Lambie, President of Redbrick Communications. With the fast moving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, AMO worked with Brian Lambie to create a Communication Guide for Councils to assist in their response to what will be a very busy and challenging time.
Episode 10: A look back at the 2020 ROMA Conference: Jan 23, 2020
AMO Executive Director Brian Rosborough hosts this review of the 2020 ROMA Conference, which wrapped up this week. We hear from ROMA Chair Allan Thompson, Mayor of Algonquin Highlands Carol Moffatt, Wilmot Township Councillor Angie Hallman, and Deputy Mayor of the Town of Hanover Selwyn Hicks.
2019
Episode 9: Property assessment and how MPAC collaborates with municipalities. December 2, 2019
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Executive Director Brian Rosborough meets with Carmelo Lipsi, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Vice-President of Valuation & Customer Relations and Chief Operating Officer, and Chris Rickett, Director of Municipal and Stakeholder Relations. They discuss MPAC's work to collaborate with and support Ontario's municipalities.
Episode 8: Introducing AMO's New Executive Director. October 18, 2019
Introducing AMO's New Executive Director : Brian Rosborough discusses AMO's priorities, the Fall Policy Forum, and more.
Episode 7: AMO ON Topic. February 19, 2019
We sit down with AMO's President and ROMA's Chair to discuss key topics coming out of the 2019 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference, including Premier Ford's announcement related to municipal liability. You'll also hear highlights of speeches from party leaders.
Episode 6 - January 25, 2019
As we head into the 2019 ROMA Conference, municipal officials discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario's rural communities, and the value in coming together at ROMA. We spoke with: Allan Thompson, Mayor of the Town of Caledon and ROMA’s interim Chair; Kelly Elliot, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Thames Centre; Ron Higgins, Mayor of the Township of North Frontenac, and Warden of Frontenac County; and Wendy Landry, Mayor of the Municipality of Shuniah and President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. Their communities are hundreds (sometimes thousands) of kilometers apart, but many face similar challenges and opportunities, including rural economic development and the need for dedicated infrastructure funding, especially broadband infrastructure.
2018
AMO President Jamie McGarvey gives listeners a primer on the Association, including advocacy work related to cannabis and double hatter firefighters, services offered to municipal governments, and the annual Conference.
Episode 4 - July 31, 2018
From energy planning and road assessment tools to the One Investment Program, LAS helps its municipal customers save money, make money and solve capacity. Judy Dezell, Director of Business Partnerships and LAS, discusses how the organization's programs and services can benefit your community. You can learn more about LAS at www.las.on.ca
Episode 3 - June 1, 2018
John McGrath, reporter and digital media producer for TVO, discusses the provincial election, how reporters are working the municipal angle, and the impact of the loss of news on in-depth media coverage. Also featuring a discussion with Brian Rosborough, the new Director of AMO's Membership Centre.
Episode 2 - May 1, 2018
We sit down with AMO's President, Lynn Dollin, to talk about the upcoming provincial election, including a discussion about how AMO builds consensus and policy positions and exactly how your provincial vote can impact your local government. Bonus: advice for those thinking about running for municipal office.
Episode 1 - March 2018
In this inaugural episode of the AMO's podcast, we hear from municipal leaders at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference about their priorities heading into the June provincial election and how AMO is working hard to make sure that municipal needs are top of mind when Ontarians head to the polls.