clerks-on-call

Thinking of Running for Municipal Council in 2026? Start with Training

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:12:32 GMT

With the 2026 municipal elections approaching, many residents are considering whether to run for council. It’s an important decision and one that deserves more preparation than many candidates realize.

Municipal council is not an “on-the-job learning” role. From day one, elected officials are expected to operate within a complex governance framework that includes legislation, ethics rules, financial oversight, and procedural requirements. Without training, even well-intentioned councillors can feel overwhelmed or make avoidable missteps.

Why Training Before Running Matters

Training equips prospective candidates to:

Understand the true role of council — governance, not operations
Campaign ethically and in compliance with election rules
Enter office prepared to participate confidently in meetings
Make informed decisions that respect staff roles and public trust

Early training also helps candidates decide whether the role is the right fit before committing to a campaign.

Better Prepared Candidates Create Stronger Councils

When candidates understand municipal governance ahead of time, councils function more effectively. Meetings are more productive, onboarding is smoother, and staff and council relationships start on solid footing. Most importantly, communities benefit from confident, informed leadership.

How Clerks on Call Can Help

At Clerks on Call , we work closely with municipal clerks and councils and see where preparation makes the biggest difference. Our prospective candidate training demystifies council service and helps individuals approach the 2026 election with clarity, confidence, and integrity.

A Responsible First Step

Running for council is a commitment to serve your community. Training helps ensure that commitment is informed, ethical, and effective.

If you’re considering running in 2026, start with knowledge — it’s one of the most responsible decisions you can make.

The Evolving Role of the Municipal Clerk: Beyond the Minutes

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 23:36:50 GMT

When most people hear “Municipal Clerk,” their first thought is often of meeting minutes, agendas, and perhaps election coordination. While those are certainly essential parts of the job, the reality is that the role of the Municipal Clerk has grown into something far deeper—and far more strategic—than many realize.

Today’s Clerks are not just administrative professionals. They are leaders, facilitators, coaches, and change navigators. They are the steady hands guiding our councils through complex political terrain, the trusted advisors supporting transparency and public trust, and the connective tissue linking policy to practice.

From Record Keeper to Relationship Builder

Municipal Clerks have always been the historians of local government—keepers of records, bylaws, and resolutions. But in today’s fast-moving and often polarized environment, they are also tasked with building and maintaining strong relationships across departments, councils, and communities. They mediate when tensions rise, they interpret policy with a steady hand, and they foster environments where governance can thrive.

The Quiet Power of Political Acuity

While they may not be politicians, Clerks often sit at the center of municipal politics. They must balance neutrality with insight, offering guidance rooted in legislation while also reading the room and understanding the subtleties of council dynamics. This kind of political acuity —the ability to sense, interpret, and respond to political currents without becoming swept away by them—is now a cornerstone skill for Clerks.

Leading Through Change

Whether it’s adapting to legislative amendments, modernizing public engagement tools, or navigating community expectations, change is constant . Clerks are increasingly called upon to lead or support transformational initiatives, often without formal authority. Our ability to build consensus, communicate clearly, and champion inclusive processes makes us indispensable change agents in local government.

Supporting the People Behind the Positions

Council onboarding, staff mentoring, and interdepartmental coaching are rising responsibilities in their portfolios. Investing in people has become as important as managing processes. When they support council members to understand their roles or guide junior staff through complex governance procedures, they’re shaping the future of their municipality.

Final Thoughts: A Role That Matters More Than Ever

At Clerks on Call , we see firsthand the evolution happening in our profession. We believe that the modern Clerk is not only capable of adapting to this change—but is uniquely positioned to lead it.

So let’s continue to share knowledge, build each other up, and redefine what it means to serve as a Municipal Clerk in the 21st century. Our work may be behind the scenes, but its impact is front and center.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.

Meeting Mastery in Midland

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:46:10 GMT

Midland Council and Senior Leadership Team

take action to Master their Meetings!

We had a great time visiting Midland this week to deliver our

Meeting Mastery - Thrive to Survive Your Meetings! workshop.

We had the opportunity to visit the waterfront and enjoy a lovely lunch

on The Boat House patio. Such a lovely community!

Sweater Weather is COMING

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:24:07 GMT

Looking forward to seeing YOU in the fall.

Our Latest Visit to Renfrew County

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:00:48 GMT

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of being in Pembroke to provide Parliamentary Procedure and Effective Minute Taking training to Staff from Renfrew County and several of its lower tier municipalities. They were such an engaging group!

Break Time

susan@susanmcelroy.com (Susan McElroy) — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 19:42:14 GMT

Michelle and Michelle Break Time Video

Knowledge is a Super Power

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:35:54 GMT

Finding the right consultant/trainer/guide/mentor - well, you get the idea - can be tricky. It can also be one of the best moves you'll make.

Why we do what we do.

#1 We've been there.

We even put it on our Home Page. Been there - Done That - Got the t-shirt. Yes, it's a lighthearted way to describe our experience but it's so true. We (Michelle and Michelle) have worked our way through years of municipal government highs and lows. We've learned a great deal and we've found a way to help others get the information and education they need without as many scars. Our goal is to provide topnotch responses and services to your municipality, to your team, to those who rely on local government to get it right. We get that.

#2 It's our passion.
It really is. Municipal government and all the rules, regulations and meetings that make it run smoothly, are what we have dedicated our work lives to.

#3 We know all about meetings.
Whether anyone likes it or not, meetings and the correct application of rules within those meetings, is what ultimately turns the wheels on municipal government. Whether it's in a Committee, Council or Public session, it is crucial that participants understand the process and follow procedures from start to finish. Getting up to speed on how meetings benefit everyone can take time. Educating the key players equips them with the tools to get the job done. It's what everyone wants. Understanding how it all works and why it's important helps to smooth what can be a rocky road. We help take the bumps out.

#4 Parliamentary Procedure

It sounds serious because it is. It's the guard rails to our system of governance and it's important. And as a bonus, there's usually a gavel in play. Who doesn't love a gavel?

#5 We keep up to speed on all the changes.

And because things change - you know the rules and regulations and requirements that we've referenced in all of the above points - we keep an eye on what's new. Change is inevitable and it's best to be up to date and not playing catch-up. We have our eyes open and our ears to the ground while you're busy with the day to day operations. Have questions? Just give us a call.