THE RURBAN FRINGE

10 Things Elected Officials Need to Know About Economic Development

According to the National League of Cities, ”local elected officials will be more effective in leading economic development activities to the extent that they forge strong relationships with staff members who work on these issues on a daily basis.” 
Sometimes, it’s that simple.
The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development, a free publication which strives to identify [...]

Government at the Speed of Business?

Thanks to technology, the speed of business is accelerating at an ever-increasing rate.  But is government keeping up?
In many municipalities, resources and capacity are perpetual issues.  Yet in today’s digital age, how governments gather, manage and use information is vital in whether they win – and remain relevant and responsive to community needs - or lose.
Think [...]

Canada.com Featured Contributor: Rural Policy Wanted

With Canadians heading to the polls today to elect a national government, my final submission to canada.com’s online election project highlighted the need for a realigned, consolidated approach to rural policy and development in Canada.  Click through the read the full post.
By no means am I alone in calling for this … researchers, federal civic [...]

Riddle Me This: What is Rural?

Remember the The Riddler from the original Batman television series?  Campy, colourful and known for confounding enemies with his evil genius, it almost sounds like The Riddler has been speaking with rural development departments lately.
The definition surrounding ‘what is rural’ is once again rearing its head, this time in the US amid reports that Community Development Block Grants and US Department of Agriculture [...]

Pay Hike for Rural Politicians?

With municipal elections gearing up across the country, a new report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation details the salaries paid to all the reeves, mayors and councillors in Manitoba’s 200 rural municipalities and villages.
With the majority of part-time politicians earning between $6,000 – $10,000 per year (i.e. as compensation for work hours/wages lost while attending to [...]

keep looking »