Council adopts portfolio system for City departments

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 16, 2016 1:45 PM

Summary

Nanaimo City Council is taking steps to enhance the day-to-day governance of City operations by introducing a portfolio system that will see each member of Council assigned one of nine departments via a rotating three month schedule. The new portfolio system will provide individual Councillors an opportunity to gain insight and knowledge into each department, allowing them to become more familiar with City business and improve their interaction with City management.

The nine portfolio areas are as follows:

RCMP
Culture, Heritage and Strategic Relationships
Parks, Recreation and Environment
Information Technology, Legislative Services and Communications
Finance
Community Development
Social and Protective Services
Nanaimo Fire Rescue
Engineering and Public Works

The changes being made will also include a greater role for the City's Acting Mayor who, in conjunction with the portfolio lead, will participate at business meetings attended by the Mayor. Both changes are intended to enhance City governance duties through the full and active participation of Council and greater interaction between Council and management.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government.

Key Points

The new portfolio system will give Council members a greater opportunity to learn more about areas outside their normal committee work.
While holding a three month portfolio assignment, Council members will join the Mayor in serving as a spokesperson for media enquiries on issues that fall within their associated department. Councillors will also join the Mayor in attending events for which their portfolio is the focus.

Quotes

"I look forward to the new portfolio system as an opportunity for Councillors to expand their governance role, get to know staff, and gain greater awareness of the work done in main areas of City operations."

Ian Thorpe

Councillor

City of Nanaimo

"I am very excited about this new approach to governance and day to day operations and see it as a wonderful learning opportunity for council members that will benefit all and move our city forward in a positive way"

Wendy Pratt

Councillor

City of Nanaimo

"The City's new portfolio system will be of great value for all members of Council. Its introduction will allow Councillors to better understand the work that staff is carrying out and the issues that are impacting our community. The information gained and relationships created will prove very useful in moving City business forward."

Bill Bestwick

Councillor

City of Nanaimo

"Each department of the City provides a wide range of programs and services. Having a Council member linked directly with each department will help communicate better all that the City does."

Richard Harding

Director of Parks, Recreation and Environment

City of Nanaimo

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Contact:

Ian Thorpe

Councillor

City of Nanaimo

250-713-9135

Bill Bestwick

Councillor

City of Nanaimo

250-713-6876

Philip Cooper

Communication Manager

City of Nanaimo

250 755 4532

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