UBCM and province to review local government finance system

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) and the province will partner to review the local government finance system to ensure municipalities and regional districts remain resilient during times of economic change.

Municipal Affairs Minister Josie Osborne, Finance Minister Selina Robinson and UBCM president Laurey-Anne Roodenburg have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Local Government Financial Resiliency, which will guide the review of the finance system.

The review will include discussions about cost pressures caused by attainable housing, community safety and climate change, and the impact of the new economy, all of which were identified in a UBCM report from August 2021 that included 20 recommendations focused on strengthening the municipal and regional district finance system.

The MOU responds to that report by guiding the two entities towards identifying potential short-, medium- and long-term solutions to priority issues.

“The finance system for local government is facing increasing pressure due to the challenges posed by housing attainability, community safety and climate change,” said Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, president of UBCM.

“These issues impact all levels of government, and are best addressed through co-operation and collaboration. The decision by the Province of B.C. to join with local government to examine these challenges and explore solutions is good news for B.C. residents and the sustainability of communities.”

The MOU will be reviewed every three years, unless parties agree to an earlier review.

The Finance and Municipal Affair ministers will meet with the UBCM president once a year to discuss the review and assess progress.