Course: CITY 251 – Giving Council a Piece of Your Mind
Writing Reports that Work:
Date: March 22, 2017.
Location: SFU Campus, Burnaby, BC.
Time: Wednesday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Cost: $252.00
This is a practical course on writing reports.
Many council reports are standardized; staff are able to refer to past examples and municipal formats. By contrast, policy reports are frequently “one-offs.” This course focuses on these policy reports. It addresses the challenges of assembling strategic directions, incorporating public input, conveying options and framing recommendations.
Instructor: Ann McAfee
For campus-based courses, registration may close up to one week before the course begins.
For online offerings, registration may close up to two business days before the course begins. Your course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. The interim dates/times are not your actual online class times.
What will I learn?
- How to select the appropriate format to convey proposed policy directions
- How to format reports that propose a work program and funding
- How to articulate options and present the rationale for the proposed recommendation/s
- Options for phasing recommendations to incorporate public review of draft proposals
- How to reduce clutter in reports through use of appendices and the web
- Tips for presenting complex reports
- Tips for “Speaking Truth to Power”
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Small-group discussions
- Case studies using example reports to illustrate how to reframe existing policies, introduce new directions, anticipate legal challenges and handle unpleasant realities
Who should take this course?
- Local government planners, architects, engineers and others responsible for preparing reports to a local board or city council
- Staff and members of non-profit organizations, community associations and others charged with preparing and reviewing policy reports
- Elected officials responsible for directing staff to report on policy initiatives
How will I be evaluated?
There is no course assignment or evaluation.
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide custom course materials.
Professional development credits
Professional development credits: PIBC members may self-report for continuing education learning unit consideration. This course qualifies for 7 Organized/Structured CPL units at the PIBC.
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