Events

Mar 2024

High Ground 2024: Emergence

Now in its 20th edition, our hallmark conference inspires, informs, and connects progressive elected officials (mayors, councilors, regional directors, and school trustees) from B.C. and across Canada, alongside union leaders and civil society experts by bringing them together to learn about inspiring policies and practices, informed research, and transformative actions around issues of shared priority and interest.

Books
Feb 2024

It’s Budget Time!

An engaging webinar on school board budgeting for School Board trustees across the province. This interactive workshop will provide an overview on how to read budgets as political documents and include guidance on the challenges and opportunities that arise during budget time. 

Oct 2023

Conversation Series #4: Retention of Progressive Women in Municipal Elected Offices

We have two great events in partnership with Ablaze Services. First, on October 26th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm PST via Zoom, for a look into the research project Retention of Progressive Women in Municipal Elected Offices, with insights into the barriers that women face in office, and the reasons why they don’t run again.

Illustration of people holding hands and climbing
Oct 2023

Conversation Series #4: Opportunities for the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) Initiative to Support Community Actions

This talk with give an overview of ACET’s mission and vision, and examples of how academic research can provide tangible benefits to communities in implementing low carbon solutions from technology to policy. We’ll then present the opportunities and mechanisms for interested communities to partner with ACET.

Sep 2023

Conversation Series #4: UBCM 2023 – The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

The post-UBCM webinar is a space to debrief and reflect after the convention. Facilitated by Amy Lubik, Port Moody City Councillor, this discussion will focus on ideas and possible next steps stemming from UBCM 2023 – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Sep 2023

The Columbia Institute Reception (during UBCM)

The Columbia Institute Reception is a space for lively conversation and networking with colleagues over a glass of wine and light snacks. It’s an evening with new and long-time friends and a great way to jump start UBCM.

Sep 2023

The Civic Governance Dialogue (during UBCM)

The Civic Governance Dialogue is a space to network issues and hear briefings on key resolutions.

Sep 2023

Media Training for Electeds

We’re offering a great opportunity for local electeds to brush up on their media skills prior to UBCM this year. In partnership with Ablaze Services, we’re hosting a Media Training session via Zoom on September 13 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm!

Sep 2023

Conversation Series #4: Decarbonization and the Zero Carbon Step Code

Building on momentum from our 2023 civic governance forum (High Ground), we are excited to present the first installment of our fourth Conversation Series – Decarbonization and the Zero Carbon Step Code – taking place on September 7th from 10:00am – 11:00am PST via Zoom.