Municipal Strategy and Policy Development

This masterclass explores the strategic and policy foundations that shape effective municipal event management. Participants will explore how to develop municipal event policies, by-laws, and strategies, and how these governance tools work together to guide decision-making, ensure consistency, and align event programs with broader organizational priorities. Designed for municipal professionals involved in event planning, approvals, and governance, the course covers the full policy development lifecycle from issue identification and consultation through to implementation, enforcement, and evaluation. Participants will also explore how to integrate policy with permitting systems, and apply applied strategic planning tools such as benchmarking, classification frameworks, and community needs assessments. By the end of the course, participants will gain practical, actionable tools to support the development of municipal event strategies and policies that are consistent, enforceable, and aligned with community needs and municipal objectives. Course Format: This course is delivered through a flexible cohort model that combines self-guided online learning with the opportunity for live peer engagement. Learners can register at any time before the course end date and will have 30 days from their registration date to complete the course materials.  The course includes one optional live virtual connection session. While attendance is not required, this facilitated session is highly recommended to connect with municipal event professionals from across Canada, discuss common challenges, share experiences, and reinforce key course concepts.  Learning is supported through interactive knowledge-testing activities embedded throughout the course modules. There is no final exam or culminating evaluation. To successfully complete the course, learners must achieve a minimum score of 75% on each knowledge-testing activity. Unlimited attempts are provided, allowing participants to revisit the material and demonstrate mastery at their own pace.