In This Issue:
- Municipal Information & Data Analysis System - Get access!
- Opportunity: AMO Board of Directors Election 2026-2028.
- Recording: Unlock AMO's New Workforce Development Campaign Assets.
- Consultation on 2026-2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
- Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative.
- AMO Conference Early Bird Rates End Today at 6 pm.
- Celebrating 70 years of Ontario’s Small Urban Municipalities: Program Update.
- Supporting your Run for Municipal Office in 2026: Resources and Workshops.
- Indigenous Candidates Thinking of Running for Office.
- Take a look at AMO’s Chairing Meetings Effectively Handguide.
- Asset Management Orientation for Council.
- The All Risk Municipal Grant Application Deadline is May 1.
- Canoe Webinar: Procurement Confessions.
- IPAC Emerging Leaders Conference.
- Free Intersectoral Action Training Series to enhance well-being in Ontario.
- Careers.
AMO Matters
Get access to MIDAS - the Municipal Information & Data Analysis System. MIDAS provides access to Financial Information Returns (FIRs) data, converts it into meaningful reports and identifies multiple year trends. For access, municipal elected officials and municipal staff can email MIDASAdmin@amo.on.ca.
We encourage all Council members and senior municipal employers to consider a leadership role on AMO's Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 term. Please find preliminary information on this opportunity on the AMO website. Further information will be released in spring 2026 when nominations open.
In case you missed it, check out this week's recording of AMO's Municipal Workforce Development Project webinar that walks you through how to leverage the brand new Make Your Municipal Move campaign assets and ready-made templates to drive local engagement through your own channels. Watch the webinar recording here.
Federal Matters
Environment and Climate Change Canada are seeking feedback on their Sustainable Development Strategy by May 12. Provide feedback through online questionnaire, by e-mail, or through participating in an upcoming webinar.
Provincial Matters
The governments of Canada and Ontario are accepting applications from February 17 to March 17 for new funding to help local businesses grow international and domestic sales under the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative.
Education Opportunities
Are you joining us for the AMO Conference in Ottawa this year? Now is the time to register to access delegation meeting opportunities, networking, learning and more. Secure your spot before 6 pm today, for early bird rates.
In this milestone year, the 2026 Conference program content is a reminder why OSUM matters to your leadership. Join solution driven conversations on homelessness, infrastructure challenges, and strong mayor powers. Be a part of the conversation - view program outline and register now.
AMO is offering programs designed to support aspiring candidates and returning elected officials. Whether you are considering your first run for office, seeking re-election, represent an underrepresented community, or a youth, we have a program tailored for you. Resources range from helping you make the decision to run or run again, to building your team, crafting your message, and getting out the vote, and includes the Lead Where You Live guide for key steps in the process. Register for workshops and access resources here.
AMO has expanded their Healthy Democracy Leadership Series. AMO is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples’ thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections. These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign. Register here.
AMO's Chairing Meetings Effectively Handguide provides principles, tools, and tactics to support chairs manage and oversee civil, fair, and accessible discussions including proactive conflict management and de-escalation approaches. This is one of seven guides found within AMO’s Leading with Respect Handguides, which all provide practical tools to help councils and staff manage conflict and foster a culture of civility.
Municipal staff play a critical role in preparing Council for leadership. Provide feedback for a new toolkit (handbook and training videos) for AMO’s asset management onboarding through this survey.
LAS
The All Risk Municipal Grant – Investing in Municipal Risk Resiliency recognizes and supports innovative risk management practices within Ontario municipalities. Submit your ideas by May 1 for a chance to receive $10,000 towards your projects.
Join Stéphanie and Tony from Canoe as they share some of the strangest stories they’ve encountered in the world of procurement. Register here for ‘Procurement Confessions: The Good, The Bad, and the “Did That Really Just Happen?”’ on March 25th at 10:00AM.
Municipal Wire*
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Tamarack Institute are offering public health units, governments, and others a virtual learning series on strengthening collaboration to enhance well-being in Ontario.
The Institute of Public Administration of Canada is hosting a professional development event focused on service delivery excellence on April 21. Register for virtual or in-person attendance.
Careers
Associate Director, Communications - Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Closing Date: April 3, 2026.
Program Advisor, Infrastructure Asset Management - AMO. Temporary full time (18-months) maternity leave coverage. Closing Date: March 27, 2026.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), Infrastructure, Development and Environment - City of Guelph. Closing Date: March 24, 2026.
