Advocacy & Policy Development
Utilizing an evidence-based approach, AMCTO collaborates with members and local government decision-makers through regular, meaningful and constructive engagement. We regularly analyze local government's pressing policy issues from a practitioner perspective. On behalf of and for members, we advocate for solutions that inform the effective implementation of public policy and that support strong professional management in local communities.
Building our Agenda
The AMCTO Legislative and Policy Advisory Committee was established to assist with policy analysis and developing policy-related programming, developing formal government submissions, developing formal recommendations, and advancing advocacy issues. The committee is comprised of members in good standing with varying municipal leadership and management experience.
Issue Profile
The AMCTO Issue Profile is the set of objectives and policy statements on areas of interest for our members and as approved by the Board of Directors, that specify the ideal solutions AMCTO would like to see from a public policy and advocacy perspective.
The Issue Profile:
- Scopes subject areas that AMCTO will respond to – either proactively or reactively while providing flexibility for the Association to fill gaps and articulate new positions on emerging issues
- Directs AMCTO staff in evaluating advocacy and policy opportunities within the municipal landscape
- Catalogues for the record, AMCTO’s existing policy positions at both a broad and more technical level to assist with continued strategy development, knowledge transfer and succession planning
Policy statements and the overall profile will be reviewed at least every four years or earlier if recommended by the AMCTO Legislative and Policy Advisory Committee (LPAC) and directed by the Board to ensure AMCTO’s policy positions remain relevant and responsive to member needs and the current political environment.
Government Relations
Establishing meaningful relationships in government with staff and political representatives allows us to positively impact public policy outcomes on behalf of and for members. For the past 80 years, our government relations program has positively shaped outcomes for members and has successfully positioned the Association as a well-known thought-leader in the Ontario municipal sector.
AMCTO continues to be a recognized influential voice for local government professionals regarding key management and legislative issues.