Council Orientation Program
Helping Councils Start Strong and Lead with Confidence
Being elected is exciting, and overwhelming. Municipal government has its own language, culture and legislative framework, and even experienced leaders can feel out of their depth in the first few months. The Council Orientation Program helps newly elected Councils understand not just how municipal government works, but how to become an effective governing body from day one.
More Than Orientation
Legislation and procedure matter, but successful Councils are built on relationships, trust, governance and a clear sense of roles. Our workshops tackle the real questions every new member of Council is asking:
- What is my role as an elected official?
- What should Council focus on, and what should staff be responsible for?
- How do we work effectively with the Chief Administrative Officer?
- How do we balance community expectations with good governance?
- How do we make difficult decisions under public scrutiny?
- How can we become a high-performing Council?
Built on Real Municipal Leadership
Our program is built on more than 45 years of combined municipal leadership experience, including over two decades as Chief Administrative Officers. We've sat beside Council rather than simply observed it, so we know what works and what can quickly derail a Council's effectiveness. Sessions are practical and interactive, built around real municipal experience, not textbook theory.
Every Municipality Is Different
There's no such thing as a "standard" Council. Before the workshop begins, we meet with senior administration to understand your municipality and build the workshop around your real priorities, not a packaged presentation.
Workshop Topics
Each program is customized, but typically includes:
- Roles and responsibilities of Council and the CAO
- Principles of effective governance
- Strategic planning and setting priorities
- Understanding municipal finances and budgeting
- Municipal legislation and legal responsibilities
- Decision-making and policy development
- Council conduct and respectful governance
- Working effectively with staff
- Public engagement and communications
- Managing media and community expectations
- Risk management and accountability
- Building a high-performing Council
- Practical governance tools that can be implemented immediately
Optional: Perspective from the Mayor's Chair
A respected former Mayor can join the workshop to share firsthand insight on building an effective Council team, managing political pressure, and working with the CAO and senior staff. Available as an optional addition, identified in your customized proposal.
Included: 90-Day Council Success Review
About 90 days after the workshop, we return for a half-day session with Council and the CAO to work through what's working, what's come up, and practical next steps, grounded in real Council experience rather than hypotheticals. Many clients tell us this session is just as valuable as the original workshop.
Why Ferrero Forward?
We simplify complexity. We explain municipal government in plain language. We help Councils build confidence and productive working relationships with the CAO and staff, from day one.
Start a conversation
Tell us what your organization is facing.
Every engagement begins with a no-cost conversation to understand your objectives and whether we are the right fit. If we are not, we will tell you, and point you toward someone who is.