Advertisement
Thinking about running for local office? Curious what it really takes to sit at the council table?Join us for an informative and engaging session designed to give prospective candidates a clear, honest look at what it means to serve in local government.
This FREE session will:
• Provide an overview of the fundamentals of being an elected official
• Help you decide if running for office is the right fit for you
We’ll explore real questions, real responsibilities, and real experiences—including:
✨ Getting Started
• Why run for council?
• Some reasons not to run
• What municipalities and regional districts actually do
• Where local government gets its authority
✨ Understanding the Role
• What is governance?
• Shared and collective decision-making
• What do council members do—and what do staff do?
✨ The Practical Side
• How much time does this role take?
✨ Staying Grounded & Out of Trouble
• Responsible conduct—what it is and why it matters
• What constitutes a meeting?
• Understanding confidentiality
• Conflict of interest—what to watch for
✨ Advice from the Trenches
• The importance of collaboration
• Why diversity strengthens decision-making
• The evolution of a council over time
• Knowing your values—and your community’s Official Community Plan (OCP)
At its core, this is a learning role—one that asks you to grow, listen, and lead alongside others.
If you’ve ever considered stepping forward to serve your community, this session is a great place to start.
For more information please contact [email protected].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meet Your Presenter
We’re pleased to welcome Allison Habkirk, instructor at Capilano University and a highly respected leader in local government.
Allison brings more than 30 years of experience as a professional, elected official, and educator in the local government sector. She is a Registered Planner who has worked extensively with municipalities, regional districts, provincial agencies, and community organizations across British Columbia.
Her experience spans working with over 50 municipalities and 12 regional districts, helping elected officials and staff navigate complex challenges, strengthen governance, and move important community priorities forward.
Allison has also served as Mayor and Councillor for the District of Central Saanich, bringing real, on-the-ground experience to her work.
A passionate educator, she teaches in the School of Public Administration and focuses on leadership development, governance, and community planning. Her approach is grounded in the belief that:
“Leadership is mobilizing people to make progress on difficult problems.”
Advertisement
Event Venue
Oddfellow Hall, 3005 Wood Ave,Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
