The difference between Governance and Operations

When it comes to how our city runs, it helps to think of municipal government as a team with two key roles: governance and operations. Both are essential, but they do very different things.

City Council (governance)

City Council is made up of the Mayor and Councillors that you elect. Their main job is governance—this means setting the vision, priorities, and policies for the community.

Think of them as the board of directors of a company:

  • They decide what needs to be done and why.
  • They represent the will of the people, listening to community input.
  • They approve the budget, set local bylaws, and make long-term plans.
  • They do not get involved in day-to-day operations.

For example, Council might decide that improving local roads is a top priority and allocate funding—but they don't decide which specific potholes to fill or who gets hired to do the work.

Administration (operations)

The Administration is made up of the City Manager (also known as the Chief Administrative Officer or CAO) and staff. Their job is operations—this means carrying out the decisions made by Council and managing the day-to-day running of the city.

Think of them as the managers and staff of the company:

  • They figure out how to get things done.
  • They maintain roads, deliver services, run facilities, and respond to issues.
  • They hire qualified staff and ensure that policies are followed properly.

So, if Council sets the direction to improve parks, the Administration will design the upgrades, hire contractors, and make sure the project gets done on time and on budget.

Why This Matters

When everyone understands their roles:

  • Council can focus on leading and making good decisions for the future.
  • Administration can focus on delivering services efficiently and effectively.
  • The community benefits from a well-run, accountable, and responsive local government.