PADM 200 Local Government Administration in BC
3 Credits

This course provides opportunities for participants to gain an understanding of the organizational and political realities of local government in British Columbia. Topics include: the history and purposes of local government; how local governments are organized and administered; their powers and limitations; issues of sustainability; relations with aboriginal government; and issues of public participation such as interest group lobbying and public consultation. Guest speakers and leaders from provincial, regional, First Nations and local governments as well as service delivery agencies will be invited to provide their perspectives.

Transfer Credits
Explore transfer credit opportunities by visiting the BC Transfer Guide

PADM 201 Municipal Finance in BC
3 Credits

This course will introduce students to the Local Government Act as it pertains to financial administration; the role of provincial government in financial administration, the role of the Municipal Finance Authority; the finance function at the Municipal/Regional levels; accounting and financial controls in Municipalities and Regional Districts; the financial planning process including short term budgets and long term financial planning; financing options; general accounting/treasury functions; assessment, taxation, collection. Guest lecturers will address specific issues around the budget cycle including the fiduciary responsibility of staff and elected officials.

Transfer Credits
Explore transfer credit opportunities by visiting the BC Transfer Guide

PADM 202 Local Government Service in BC
3 Credits

The goal of this course is to provide students with a broad based knowledge and understanding of the current issues and innovative practices related to the provision of local government services in British Columbia. This course examines the wide range of services provided by BC municipalities and regional districts in three general categories: External Services to the Community (e.g. engineering and public works, refuse collection and solid waste disposal, parks, recreation and cultural services, environmental protection, regulatory services); Internal /Support Services to the Corporation (e.g. corporate administration, finance, human resources); and Protective Services and Enforcement (e.g. fire, police, bylaw enforcement). Current issues to be discussed include alternative service delivery (e.g. public private partnerships), downloading and performance measurement, with an emphasis on examining innovative practices related to sustainability, e-Government and inter-municipal collaboration.

Transfer Credits
Explore transfer credit opportunities by visiting the BC Transfer Guide

PADM 203 Municipal Law in BC
3 Credits

This course centers on legal principles pertaining to municipal government, with particular emphasis on its status, functions, and legal powers and constraints. It will also introduce the principles of administrative law, how legislation is created, and the powers and duties of administrative agencies. This course will examine the legal aspects affecting services that municipalities and regional districts provide to their citizens in British Columbia.

Transfer Credits
Explore transfer credit opportunities by visiting the BC Transfer Guide