The Local Governance Hub (LGH) at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration builds on nearly three decades of leadership in local government research, training, and engagement.

Photo of LGH Chair, Tamara Krawchenko, joins a panel on Rural Resilience with Joshua Barrett, Lisa Belanger, moderated by Neal Comeau and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference, Calgary, AB, June 7 2024.

LGH Chair, Tamara Krawchenko, joins a panel on Rural Resilience with Joshua Barrett, Lisa Belanger, moderated by Neal Comeau and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference, Calgary, AB, June 7 2024.

Background History

The Hub traces its origins to the establishment of the Local Government Institute (LGI) in 1995 by School faculty under the leadership of co-Directors Dr. Bob Bish and Dr. Jim McDavid. Launched with a $450,000 Donner Canadian Foundation grant (1994), and further supported by $250,000 for work with Alaska First Nations, LGI became a centre for local government training, research networking, student engagement, and partnership building.

LGI was instrumental in founding CivicInfo BC (est. 2000) after its 1996 needs assessment, and pioneered a certificate in Indigenous Governance through collaboration between Dr. Taiaiake Alfred and Dr. Bob Bish. Seminal research by Dr. Bish and Dr. McDavid included studies on municipal governance, service delivery, amalgamation debates, First Nations’ tax and administration, and cross-Canada municipal solid waste surveys (1996–1998). LGI acted as a research repository, maintaining a specialized library of local government resources shared with practitioners and scholars across North America.

The Institute’s philosophy was shaped by the empirical comparative approach of Elinor Ostrom at Indiana University, brought to UVic by her student Jim McDavid. LGI’s leaders pioneered quasi-experimental studies comparing large and small-scale service delivery, consistently highlighting the effectiveness and quality perceived in smaller municipalities.

Milestones and Events

Across the years, the Institute and the Hub have convened a dynamic series of events, symposia, and panel discussions, including:

2024

  • Talk: “Small and Rural Local Government Sustainability Plans, Programs and Policies in Cascadia: A Comparative Analysis” (March 27, 2024) – with Dr. Brent Steel; co-organised with IESVic, ACET, and Environmental Studies
  • Panel: “Women Leading Change in Politics with the University of Victoria” (February 26, 2024) – with The Honourable Grace Lore, Jody Wilson-Raybould, The Honourable Niki Sharma, Rachael Segal, and Mary Polak; co-organised with Equal Voice and the Community and Government Relations Office
  • Workshop: “Campaign School” (February 25, 2024) – co-organised with the University of Victoria Community and Government Relations Office and Equal Voice

2023

  • Panel: “The Role of Canadian City Managers: In Their Own Words” (October 26, 2023) – with Michael Fenn, Linda Adams; co-organised with IPAC Victoria
  • Panel: “Current and Future Challenges and Opportunities in Local Governments in BC” (June 5, 2023) – with Dr. Kennedy Stewart, Todd Pugh, Susan Brice; co-organised with IPAC Victoria
  • Panel: “Local Government Accountability, Transparency, and Integrity in Fast Times” (May 31, 2023) – with Lisa Southern, Ian McCormack, Gordon McIntosh; co-organised with IPAC Victoria

2009

  • Symposium: “Symposium on Regional Government in the Vancouver Region” (December 2009)
  • Panel: “40 Years: A Regional District Retrospective” (March 2009)

2008

  • Forum: “Making Greater Vancouver a World City” (June 2008)

2007

  • Panel: “Local Government and Climate Change” (October 2007)
  • Workshop: “Local Government Performance Management” (May 2007)

2006

  • Panel: “Local Governments in a Globalizing World” (November 2006)
  • Panel: “Regional Economic Performance in BC” (November 2006)

Looking Forward

Building on this legacy, the Local Governance Hub remains dedicated to advancing research, training, and engagement across a broad spectrum of contemporary topics, including public administration, management, leadership, Council-CAO relationships, service delivery, First Nations-local government collaboration, climate action, environmental sustainability, food security, project management, evaluation, and community and stakeholder engagement.

By honoring its rich history and embracing new collaborations, the Local Governance Hub at UVic continues to foster innovation, evidence-based practice, and leadership in local and regional governance across British Columbia and beyond.

Governance Overview

The Local Governance Hub (LGH) is guided by a collaborative and inclusive governance structure designed to support its mission of fostering research, evaluation, training, and engagement on local and regional development topics. The LGH benefits from the expertise and leadership of its Steering Committee, ensuring diverse perspectives and strong institutional ties.

Leadership

  • Chair: Tamara Krawchenko

LGH Steering Committee Members

The Steering Committee includes faculty, adjuncts, staff, and external experts affiliated with the School of Public Administration and beyond.

School of Public Administration Faculty and Staff:

  • Astrid Brousselle
  • Lynne Siemens
  • Sarah Marie Wiebe
  • Susanne Thiessen
  • Heather Castleden
  • Jill Chouinard
  • Marlowe Morrison

Adjunct Professors:

  • Gordon Macintosh
  • Sean Darling
  • Hassan Arif
  • Robert Newell
  • Herman Bakvis
  • Jenifer Hall

External Members:

The committee also includes up to five external volunteers from across the local governance and practitioner community who serve two-year terms and are recommended by the Steering Committee.

The LGH is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in its governance, and regularly welcomes new participants and perspectives. The Steering Committee meets at least twice annually, combining in-person and online engagement, and shares regular updates across the LGH network.