Councillors play a crucial role in helping communities navigate urban change
Among many insights, Studio THI’s Urban Change Readiness Index survey identified that local government elected officials are the most trusted actors in the urban system to lead place and community change.
Councillors are the daily conduit between the community, council and industry. They are often the closest elected officials to the community, talking about changes big and small, connecting council policy and programs to the community and the values and needs of the community back to the council.
“One of the great things about local government is that councillors come from many diverse backgrounds. When they arrive they are often experts in a field relevant to the broad field of urban and community development, sometimes not. A unifying element is a passion for their communities and an ability to campaign and engage with people,” Studio THI’s Urban & Community Transition lead strategist Peter Browning says.
Councillors need more support
However, the role councillors can play in leading urban change, and the processes they can use are often not consciously supported. Councillors do not necessarily feel confident helping their communities navigate major change.
“Councillors receive training in the function of local government, planning schemes and processes, codes of conduct etc. But what are the skills and knowledge elected officials need to help communities address challenges and lead and participate in change?” Peter asks.
“How change-ready are our elected members in high growth & change areas? What are their urban literacy strengths & knowledge gaps? What are the pain points and what would be useful for them.”
Online learning and innovation program
Studio THI’s six-week Local Government Elected Officials online learning and innovation program is designed to equip councillors to proactively lead their communities through urban change.
The program helps councillors build an understanding of sustainable growth and explore practical approaches to better lead communities through transformative change.
Co-creation pilot program for elected officials
The pilot program, which was conducted in late 2022, received positive feedback from the 15 councillors from metropolitan and regional areas around Australia who attended.
“I wish this project existed two years ago,’’ one councillor said. “It could have helped me avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made.”
Another said: “I highly recommend this program for councillors in rapidly developing areas."
During the program, councillors delved into the challenges and opportunities of working in rapidly changing communities, defined the tensions and opportunities of change in their communities, and deepened their understanding of the urban change system and the role of councillors and other system actors.
“This program has helped me realise I need to be more proactive in my approach to speaking with community on urban change. I need to do broader conversations not just around individual DAs or specific planning scheme changes.”
Councillors also developed their own roadmap for leading their communities through transformational urban change, learning how to set a clear vision, develop priority actions and strategies, and manage any challenges that may arise. They gained insight into the principles of great urban outcomes, the political and organisational challenges of working in changing communities, and the importance of community conversation in shaping the urban identity of their areas.
The majority of councillors recognised that their communities are finding it difficult to imagine the type of urban change being proposed and highlighted some key challenges:
Management of the expectations of varied communities
The transition from agriculture-based towns to “dormitory suburbs”
Need for more housing density to accommodate rapid growth
State government drive for increased housing density
The acceptance of change (new development)
"It gives you a chance to be more strategic and focused on the outcome you can achieve," said one councillor.
Collaborative, ongoing approach
Peter says the program recognises the complexities of developing urban change literacy and the need for a collaborative, multi-faceted, iterative and ongoing approach.
“Using our spectrum of interventions and understanding of change management we are aiming to support councillors to implement a sustained strategy that increases trust in the system and knowledge of urban change and the community’s role in that change.”
Planning Insititute of Australia State Manager (Queensland and Northern Territory) Matt Collins, who partnered with Studio THI to run the pilot program, also acknowledged the importance of the project.
“Local government councillors play a critical role in their communities, and with significant growth projected it is essential they have the tools to lead urban change. PIA is pleased to be working with Studio THI to develop these change leadership skills and to help communities navigate the challenges and opportunities of change.”
