The CAO’s Role in Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is an important responsibility for any municipality, but the role of the CAO in the process is sometimes overlooked. Council provides the overall direction and identifies the priorities for the community, while the CAO plays a key role in turning those priorities into something that can actually be implemented.

The CAO acts as the bridge between Council’s vision and the organization’s day-to-day work. This means helping Council understand what is realistic, providing advice and information to support decision-making, and ensuring the strategic plan reflects the municipality’s resources, capacity, and current circumstances.

The CAO’s role doesn’t end once the strategic plan is approved. In many ways, that is when the real work begins. The CAO is responsible for helping staff understand what the plan means for their work and how their individual responsibilities connect to Council’s priorities. This can include setting expectations, assigning responsibility, aligning resources and budgets, and establishing ways to track and report on progress.

A strong CAO also helps keep the strategic plan relevant. Municipalities operate in an environment where priorities, funding, legislation, and community needs can change quickly. The CAO can help Council recognize when adjustments are needed without losing sight of the bigger picture.

The CAO also plays an important role in maintaining accountability. Regular reporting gives Council an opportunity to see what is progressing, where there are challenges, and whether the organization is moving in the direction Council intended.

Ultimately, strategic planning is about more than creating a document. It is about creating a shared understanding of where the municipality is going and how it will get there. Council sets the direction, and the CAO helps turn that direction into action.

What are your thoughts and experiences? Reach out to me at lauren@strategicsteps.ca