Title: Policy Workshop: Nonprofits, The Municipal Budget, and Strong Powers
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Innovation Works, 201 King St, London, ON
Cost: Free (registration required)
Overview
In response to sweeping changes to municipal governance in Ontario, Pillar Nonprofit Network invites you to a timely and impactful Policy Workshop focused on empowering nonprofit voices in local budget advocacy under the new Strong Mayor Powers system.
With the City of London adopting a strong mayor model, the dynamics of budget decision-making have shifted—raising critical questions about transparency, community input, and civic engagement. This workshop will equip nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community partners with tools to navigate these changes, influence policy, and ensure our sector remains at the heart of decisions that affect our communities.
Workshop Goals
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Understand the implications of Strong Mayor Powers on municipal governance and budgeting.
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Explore how these powers shift advocacy pathways and what this means for the nonprofit sector.
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Co-create strategies to ensure nonprofit voices are embedded in multi-year budget planning.
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Build connections with organizations committed to collaborative civic advocacy.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for:
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Nonprofit leaders and policy staff
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Grassroots organizers and community advocates
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City staff and public sector collaborators
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Academics and policy researchers
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Elected officials and municipal councillors.
We encourage nonprofit leaders, senior leaders, board members, frontline workers, policymakers, advocates, and community members to attend. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned policy actor, this session will provide meaningful insight and a space to connect with others shaping London’s future.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Kate Graham
Assistant Professor, Local Government Program, Western University
Topic: The Fundamentals of Strong Mayor Powers and Their Implications for Nonprofits
Councillor Skylar Franke
City Councillor, Ward 11, City of London
Topic: Advocacy in the Era of Strong Mayor Powers: How London Nonprofits Can Effectively Influence the City’s Multi-Year Budget