Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

Ontario’s fall economic statement projects stronger revenue and economic growth than expected in the 2024 Budget. This offers solid financial footing for the province to partner with municipalities on a Social and Economic Prosperity Review. The statement also included a $100M increase in OMPF funding to be phased in over two years, deferral of updating property tax assessments, and greater provincial authority on bike lanes. https://lnkd.in/g5DtB2Cx AMO is calling for the province to take key steps to improve Ontarians’ quality of life – including investments in infrastructure to address housing, gridlock and climate, relieving municipalities of $4B in provincial health and social service costs and tackling root causes of homelessness. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gh8V2AbW

Check out AMO's latest Policy Update, and stay tuned for our take on the Fall Economic Statement coming later today! https://lnkd.in/gXRF6Uyk

Thank you to Apathy is Boring - L'apathie c'est plate for hosting an engaging and uplifting youth session at the Healthy Democracy Forum. The future is bright with our youth leading the way. #Democracy #Youth #OurFuture

Today, we’re giving a shoutout to the dedicated municipal staff across the province. This #LocGovWeek, we're recognizing that municipal jobs are great jobs. In Ontario, 235,000 municipal staff build & maintain our infrastructure & deliver the services we all need – every day. Check out AMO's Workforce Development project: https://lnkd.in/e3if7EKW

It’s #LocalGovWeek, but it’s not just about staff or elected officials – it’s about civic engagement, too. Democracy works best when people on both sides of the Council table participate, engage and use their voice. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. #MakeADifference #Democracy

This #LocGovWeek, let’s talk about how municipal governments improve quality of life for residents in their communities, and also go above and beyond providing basic services and infrastructure to take on bigger challenges. They’re creating real #change from the #local level up.

It's Local Government Week! Municipalities provide vital services, and AMO commends all the municipalities supporting our communities across Ontario and the elected officials who are creating change at the local level. This week is also time to recognize that local democracies are only as strong as the people who take part in the democratic process and local decision-making. Building a healthy democracy is a collective effort. #LocGovWeek #LocalGovernmentWeek #MunicipalGov #Democracy

AMO’s two-day #HealthyDemocracy forum - in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University - brought together a diverse group of people from across Ontario to learn, collaborate and share ideas about encouraging diversity around the council table, supporting candidates and elected officials, improving civic engagement and local democracy, and fostering a democratic process that is respectful. The forum was incredibly well attended, with packed rooms on both days, and participants were deeply engaged. There was an overwhelming feeling of hope and positivity. Day one focused on the importance of diverse representation and sharing AMO’s research that mapped the experiences of diverse candidates running for municipal office in Ontario. Participants took part in two hands-on workshops centred around support for elected officials and visibility of organizations that support candidates. At the same time, more than 35 students participated in an exciting youth engagement session with Apathy is Boring - L'apathie c'est plate. They shared wonderful ideas and insight about how local governments can regain trust and better engage young people. The youth session was confirmation that there’s a bright future for municipal government. We were uplifted and inspired by their enthusiasm. Day two highlighted AMO initiatives and pilot projects, and showcased successful projects from municipalities that are helping rebuild democracy and civic engagement. What an incredible way to launch into #LocalGovernmentWeek!

Bike lanes are part of municipal transportation planning and road safety. Provincial approval to install and keep bike lanes is unnecessary and hinders municipal decision-making power. For more information: https://shorturl.at/zr0aa

Join AMO and participants from academia, sector and community organizations, and municipal leaders at the 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒎, October 19 - 20. Presentations and workshops will include the importance of diverse representation, engaging youth in local democracy, and how to accelerate democracy in your community. Be a part of workshopping a blueprint for action toward a more open and accessible 2026 municipal election. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲: https://lnkd.in/gEeG_Js3 Monumental / Jasvinder Sandhu / Nominee / Divonify / Equal Voice / Apathy is Boring - L'apathie c'est plate / dave meslin / Senator Bernadette Clement / The Democratic Engagement Exchange at TMU