Elected Officials Seminar Series
The Local Government Leadership Academy’s Elected Officials Series is held every four years following the local government general election to deepen elected officials’ understanding of the local government system and best practices for civic leadership.
The following dates have been set for the upcoming EOS Series:
Region |
Dates |
Conference Centre |
| LMLGA | December 9-11, 2026 | Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport (Richmond) |
| AVICC | January 13-15, 2027 | Vancouver Island Conference Centre (Nanaimo) |
| SILGA | January 20-22, 2027 | Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan (Kelowna) |
| NCLGA | January 27-29, 2027 | Coast Prince George Hotel |
| AKBLG | February 3-5, 2027 | Kimberley Conference Centre |
2027 EOS Program
Build the Foundation for Effective Local Government Leadership
Whether you’re newly elected or returning to office, the Elected Officials Seminar (EOS) provides the practical knowledge, skills, and connections needed to lead effectively in today’s local government environment.
Through interactive learning, real-world scenarios, facilitated discussions, and peer networking, the EOS helps elected officials navigate the transition into office and build confidence in their governance role.
Who Should Attend?
The EOS series is designed for newly-elected and returning local and First Nation elected officials.
Whether you are entering local government for the first time or bringing years of experience, the EOS series offers valuable learning, practical tools, and connections to support your success in office.
Why Attend?
The EOS series is designed specifically for local elected officials who want to:
- Gain a strong understanding of their governance role and responsibilities.
- Strengthen decision-making and leadership skills.
- Learn practical approaches to complex challenges facing local governments.
- Connect with colleagues from communities across BC.
- Build a foundation for a successful and productive term in office.
Participants can expect:
- Governance simulations and hands-on exercises.
- Peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities.
- Discussion of real-world local government challenges.
- Integrated learning on communications, Indigenous relations, climate considerations, and leadership resilience.
- A supportive environment for both new and experienced elected officials.
Program Overview
Check back here for updates and presenter information as the program develops.
- Day 1 (Wednesday) Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
The campaign is over and the real work of governing begins. This introductory session helps elected officials transition from campaigning as individuals to serving as members of a collective governing body. Participants will explore the realities of local government leadership, the responsibilities that come with elected office, and practical strategies for building effective relationships with colleagues, staff, and the community during the critical first months of a term.
Strong local governments depend on role clarity, sound governance practices, and effective decision-making. This session examines the respective roles of elected officials, councils and regional district boards, chief administrative officers, and staff. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of governance structures, the CAO model, accountability, and the processes that support informed and collaborative decision-making.
Effective meetings are essential to effective governance. This session introduces meeting procedures, rules of order, and the roles that elected officials play in supporting fair, transparent, and efficient decision-making processes. Participants will strengthen their understanding of how to share perspectives, manage debate, and move decisions forward constructively.
Building on governance fundamentals, this session explores how councils and boards make sound decisions in complex environments. Participants will examine decision-making frameworks, ethical judgment, risk, accountability, and the effective use of staff advice and public input. Through practical scenarios, they will strengthen their ability to navigate competing priorities, test assumptions, and make transparent decisions that serve the long-term public interest.
- Day 2 (Thursday) Start Time: 7:00 Breakfast, 8:30 Session Start
Land use planning is one of the most influential responsibilities of local government. This session explores official community plans, local area plans, public hearings, development decision-making, and community engagement. Participants will examine how planning decisions shape growth, housing, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, Indigenous relationships, and the long-term well-being of communities.
Disagreement is a natural part of democratic decision-making, but how elected officials navigate conflict can shape the effectiveness of their council or board. This session explores codes of conduct, ethical leadership, and practical approaches to managing differences of opinion while maintaining trust, professionalism, and productive working relationships. Participants will learn how respectful governance contributes to better decision-making and stronger organizational culture.
One of the most important responsibilities of elected officials is ensuring the responsible management of public resources. This session introduces key financial concepts including revenues, expenditures, taxation, assessment, budgeting, long-term financial planning, borrowing, reserves, and financial transparency. Participants will also gain insight into on the local government financial management landscape, and the financial systems that support local government service delivery.
Learn from the experiences of seasoned elected officials who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of public service. Through practical stories, reflections, and advice, participants will explore leadership lessons, governance insights, and strategies for building successful and rewarding terms in office.
Building on governance fundamentals, this session explores how councils and boards make sound decisions in complex environments. Participants will examine decision-making frameworks, ethical judgment, risk, accountability, and the effective use of staff advice and public input. Through practical scenarios, they will strengthen their ability to navigate competing priorities, test assumptions, and make transparent decisions that serve the long-term public interest.
Connect with fellow elected officials, local government professionals, and program partners in an informal setting.
- Day 3 (Friday) Start Time: 7:00 Breakfast, 8:30 Session Start
When crises and emergencies occur, elected officials have an important governance, leadership, and communications role. This session provides an overview of emergency management systems, governance responsibilities, media relations, public messaging, and risk management. Participants will learn strategies for supporting informed decision-making and communicating clearly with residents, stakeholders, and the media to strengthen transparency, public trust, and community resilience before, during, and after a crisis.
Accommodation Information
A block of rooms for participants has been booked at the noted hotels. Please arrange your accommodation by contacting the hotel directly through the links and contact information below.
- Please note reservation deadlines.
- Reservations must be guaranteed with a non-refundable deposit of one night’s room and tax at the time of booking.
- December 9-11, 2026
- Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport
- Booking link
- Reservation Deadline: November 9, 2026
- Rates:
- Standard Room: $239
- January 13-15, 2027
- Coast Bastion Hotel
- Booking link
- Reservation Deadline: January 14, 2027
- Rates:
- Coast King or Two Queens: $199
- January 20-22, 2027
- Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan
- Booking link
- Reservation Deadline: December 20, 2026
- Rates:
- Standard Room: $189
- January 27-29, 2027
- Coast Prince George Hotel
- Booking link
- Reservation Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Rates:
- Single/Double: $125
- Triple: $145
- Quad: $165
- February 3-5, 2027
- Trickle Creek Lodge
- Individual Call-in: 1-877-282-1200 ext 2
- Group Code: 2027 LGLA – EOS Seminars
- Reservation Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Rates:
- Studio Suites (occupancy: 2-4): $169
- One Bedroom Suites (occupancy: 2-4): $179
- Two Bedroom Suites (occupancy: 4-6): $259
Fraud Alert
It has come to our attention that agencies may be soliciting sponsors and attendees of LGLA events to book hotel rooms through their organization. Please beware that these organizations are not operating on our behalf and could be engaged in fraudulent activities.
LGLA has not made any agreements with any agencies that offer reservation assistance, nor have we provided any information to anyone for this purpose. If you are contacted, please do not give out your personal information. We assure you that LGLA has NOT provided your contact details to any travel organizations. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a caller in relation to the LGLA EOS Series, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cathy Watson Memorial Award
The Cathy Watson Memorial Award sends one elected official to the Local Government Leadership Academy’s annual forum (or Elected Officials Seminar), who would otherwise not be able to attend. The bursary covers registration, accomodation and up tp $1,000 in travel expenses.