In this episode of Strategy and Culture, Trina McCarroll speaks with Catherine McCook, a City Councillor and mayoral candidate, about the intricacies of municipal strategic planning.
They discuss the importance of Council establishing a clear strategic direction, the role of community engagement, and the significance of strong leadership in implementing strategies. The conversation also explores common pitfalls in strategic planning, the need for effective communication, and the importance of building trust among Council, Administration, and the community.
Trina and Catherine highlight the necessity of alignment and collaboration in setting and pursuing municipal priorities—and how these strategies ultimately translate into greater community well-being.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Municipal strategic planning is crucial for setting a clear direction following the election.
Effective strategic planning retreats can help prioritize ideas and align Council members.
Community input can be embedded in the planning process.
Decision-making frameworks help guide Council discussions and trade-offs.
Organizational culture influences how well strategies are implemented.
Building trust is an ongoing process that requires open communication.
The community's strength lies in its people, not just the plans.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Municipal Strategic Planning
02:49 The Importance of Strategic Planning for Councils
06:38 Effective Strategies in Strategic Planning Retreats
09:24 Common Pitfalls in Strategic Planning
10:18 The Role of Community Voices in Planning
13:23 Measuring Progress in Strategic Plans
16:19 Community Well-Being and Local Needs
18:37 The Role of Leadership in Strategic Planning
21:37 Building Trust and Communication
24:06 Collaborative Approaches to Community Development
25:36 Final Thoughts on Strategic Planning
ABOUT CATHERINE MCCOOK
Catherine McCook is a Mayoral candidate for the City of Beaumont, a leadership and performance coach, and a board member of the Riseup Society of Alberta. With a background in Criminal Justice and training in Interviewing and Interrogations, she brings a sharp, multidimensional lens to leadership and system change.
As the founder of The Elan Project, Catherine empowers women, supports leaders, and helps organizations build people-first cultures that drive engagement and innovation. A fierce advocate for women in leadership and workplace well-being, she challenges outdated systems, promotes equity, and redefines success to prioritize people over hierarchy.
Learn more about her company, The Elan Project, here or connect with Catherine on LinkedIn.
ABOUT TRINA MCCARROLL:
Trina McCarroll, CPF, CPHR helps leaders build thriving, high-performing teams through strategic planning, culture building, and transformation journeys. The team at McCarroll Consulting specializes in supporting municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and purpose-driven organizations across Alberta. Drawing on years of experience in facilitation and organizational transformation, Trina brings practical insight, curiosity, and courage to every conversation.
Learn more about McCarroll Consulting at www.mccarrollconsulting.com or connect with Trina on LinkedIn.
ABOUT STRATEGY & CULTURE CONVERSATIONS:
Strategy and Culture Conversations explores how senior leaders across Alberta navigate complexity, make intentional choices, and create teams where people can contribute their best work towards organizational success.