In this podcast, the afternoon sessions of the State of Canada's Cities Summit are discussed. Topics include the role of the private sector in affordable housing, the contributions of colleges and universities to communities, collaboration during the pandemic, innovative solutions for the housing crisis, infrastructure challenges in Toronto, provincial government intervention in Quebec, and the benefits of setting clear rules for progress.
Collaboration and co-creation are essential for transformational policy making, involving selecting partners with shared values and understanding perspectives and challenges from different sectors.
Creating a culture of risk-taking in policy making involves valuing risk, incentivizing intelligent risk, and empowering champions of innovation and change to explore new approaches.
Deep dives
Building Collaborative Partnerships for Transformational Policy Making
Collaboration and co-creation are essential for transformational policy making. Selecting partners with shared values and finding shared purpose is crucial. It is important to understand the perspectives and challenges of partners from different sectors and work towards a common destination. Trust and relationships take time to develop, but they are essential for effective collaboration. Sometimes, it is necessary to challenge the prevailing culture of risk aversion and conservatism in organizations in order to promote intelligent risk-taking and innovation. In policy making, it is important to bring forward proposals that partners can say 'yes' to by providing evidence-backed solutions, addressing the concerns of stakeholders, and demonstrating the value for all parties involved.
Overcoming Challenges and Accelerating Transformation
Addressing challenges and accelerating transformation requires innovative approaches. Rather than relying on traditional rules and regulations, it is important to consider alternative methods that may be more efficient and effective. Streamlining processes, reducing red tape, and focusing on shared purpose can help accelerate progress. Setting clear rules and principals before projects begin can also help avoid conflicts and delays. Embracing risk and valuing champions who are willing to take risks can foster a culture of innovation and accelerate transformative policymaking. Ultimately, it is necessary to prioritize urgency and identify the root causes of issues in order to implement effective solutions at a faster pace.
Fostering a Culture of Risk-Taking in Policy Making
Creating a culture of risk-taking in policy making involves valuing risk and incentivizing intelligent risk. Champions of innovation and change should be empowered to take risks and explore new approaches. Building trust and meaningful partnerships can help overcome resistance to change and increase the adoption of transformative policies. Collaboration and communication are key in identifying shared purpose and creating a value-based relationship. It is important to recognize that risk and reward go hand in hand, and by embracing risk, organizations can achieve significant progress and positive outcomes. By shifting perspectives and focusing on the benefits of risk-taking, a culture of innovation and transformative policy making can be cultivated.
Promoting Effective Public-Private Partnerships
Promoting effective public-private partnerships involves selecting the right partners with aligned values, expertise, and vision. Shared purpose and destination are essential for successful collaborations. It is important to understand the needs and concerns of partners and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. Openness to risk and intelligent risk-taking can facilitate innovation and progress. Recognizing the role of conveners, such as universities and research institutions, in bringing diverse stakeholders together can help foster collaboration and co-creation. Encouraging the co-creation of solutions and valuing the input of all stakeholders, particularly those most affected by policies, can lead to transformative policymaking that addresses complex challenges in cities.
Whatever the scale and scope of the tough issues being discussed in a single day, solutions often seem to be within reach after lunch.
In the third of four CityTalk episodes recorded at CUI's State of Canada's Cities Summit in Ottawa on November 30th, host Mary Rowe presents highlights from afternoon sessions featuring local and national experts offering practical, street-tested solutions.
See, hear and read more from the Summit at canurb.org.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
