The role of local elected officials

Elected officials are responsible for making decisions that directly affect the lives of British Columbians every day.

Municipal councils and regional district boards set policies, pass bylaws, approve budgets, and guide long term planning in areas such as land use, infrastructure, and community services by working together. Elected officials ensure local priorities are addressed while supporting healthy, sustainable, and well run communities by making decisions collectively.

You may wish to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of local governments, the role of an elected official, and think about how best you can serve your community if you’re considering running for local office.

The Role of local governments

Local governments are democratic institutions led by local elected officials and operate within a provincial legislative framework. Local government governance and powers include conducting local elections, adopting bylaws and policies, service delivery, and setting strategic priorities.

• Learn more about the role of local governments and how they are governed
• Read more about local government powers and services
• Thinking About Running for Local Office? (PDF, 438KB)

Local governments also work with other governments and partners to support their communities. Local governments can build strong relationships with provincial government, First Nations and the federal government through collaboration.

• Find out more about local government intergovernmental collaboration

Role of an elected official

Locally elected officials must follow the Community Charter, the Local Government Act, and other provincial laws. This includes conduct rules, privacy and employment laws and policies, and local government procedures.

Municipal councillors and regional district board members main roles and responsibilities include:

• thinking about what is best for the whole community, not just one group
• helping develop, review, and improve local government policies and services
• taking part in council or board meetings and committee meetings
• carrying out other assigned roles, such as chairing committees

The mayor and the regional district board chair have the same duties as other council or board members, with some additional responsibilities:

• chairing meetings
• setting up and appointing standing committees
• ensuring decisions are shared with the Chief Administrative Officer/City Manager for implementation
• acting as the official spokesperson for the council or the board

The way local elected officials treat their colleagues, staff and the public effects how well a community is governed and its ability to meet the local government’s goals. Effective local elected officials are dedicated, ethical and informed. In practice, this means demonstrating accountability in their decisions and conduct, respecting others, working collaboratively, and following legislated rules and their local government policies.

• Learn more about ethical standards for local elected officials
• Learn more about being an effective elected official

Role of local government staff

Local elected officials and local government staff roles and responsibilities are related yet distinct from one another. Elected officials are responsible for making collective decisions and staff are responsible for helping inform those decisions and putting them into action.

Staff support the council or regional district board by:

• providing information and professional advice
• carrying out council or board decisions, policies, and direction
• communicating decisions to the public and other levels of government

All local governments in British Columbia have at least two local government officer positions: one responsible for corporate administration and the other responsible for its financial administration.

• Learn more about the role of local government staff