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Local Governance in Transition

Local Governance in Transition

Toward Sustainable Canadian Communities

by Mary Louise McAllister

Published by: University of British Columbia Press

Imprint: UBC Press

300 Pages, 203.00 × 254.00 mm, 21 b&w photos, 2 charts, 2 maps

Paperback
9780774870320
Published: August 2024

£35.00

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Description
Contents
Authors

The early 2020s unleashed a perfect storm on governments worldwide. Logistical challenges never before anticipated left some communities flailing while others thrived. Epidemics, natural disasters, and economic collapses inspired innovation and creativity in many resourceful civic teams.

In Local Governance in Transition, Mary Louise McAllister argues that communities wanting to thrive tomorrow must reimagine local governance today. She begins with an overview of how government evolved in Canada, then examines how interdisciplinary initiatives and policies can nudge cities toward a more sustainable future. From coast to coast to coast, environmental change brings existential challenges for Canadian communities. Global awareness and collaboration are key in finding creative solutions for local governance and sustainability.

Local Governance in Transition examines systems thinking, environmental studies, and the mechanics of government. Through the adoption of collaborative urban planning and policymaking, and adaptive learning systems, those working in local governance can foster healthier, more resilient communities. This text is for students, leaders, civil servants, and anyone working toward sustainable cities.

Preface

Introduction

Part 1: Through Time and Space: Canadian Local Government

1 Sustainable Communities: Governance in a Complex Era

2 The Historical Legacy: The Evolution of Canadian Local Government

3 Federalism and Multi-level Governance: Intergovernmental Relations

4 Governing Ourselves: Who Decides, How, and for Whom?

5 Expanding Civic Engagement: Local Democracy in the 2020s

6 Decision Making at City Hall: The Machinery of Government

Part 2: Networks and Partnerships: Connected Cities and Overlapping Responsibilities

7 Bridging the Silos: Systems Thinking at City Hall

8 Beyond Boundaries: Network Governance

9 Changing Climates: Local to Global Interactions

10 Networked Cities: Communications and Smart Cities

Part 3: Reimagining Local Governance: Transitioning toward Sustainability

11 Sustainable Landscapes: Ecosystem Services, Natural Assets, and Food Systems

12 Regenerative Infrastructure: Linear to Circular Systems

13 Healthy Cities: Well-Being, Diversity, and Inclusion

14 Diversifying Local Economies: Valuing Community Assets

15 Learning Communities: Adaptive and Innovative Governance

Reflections: Local Governance in Transition

References; Index

Mary Louise McAllister is an adjunct professor and associate professor emerita at the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. In 2015, she received Waterloo's Distinguished Teacher Award in 2015. Her prior books include 2004's Governing Ourselves? The Politics of Canadian Communities, which won the Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Title in 2005. McAllister resides in Waterloo, where she continues to sit on university graduate theses committees.