Experience You'll Need

There are no formal work experience requirements for becoming a councillor in most cities in Canada and the United States. That’s not to say that having experience in certain areas isn’t important, both in the eyes of the voters, and in terms of increasing your level of competence for the role.

Since name recognition is so critical for an election campaign, it helps a great deal if you are well known in your community. Working with community groups, typically in a position of leadership, is a great way to accomplish several things at the same time: increase your name recognition, have a positive impact on your community, and give you valuable leadership experience in the eyes of voters, and for your professional development.

Many active city councillors in many regions also have backgrounds in other roles that involve managing people, budgets, and the needs of many stakeholders. Such roles can be found throughout the worlds of non-profit and public administration, as well as in business.

It’s important to mention, that whatever professional background you’re coming from, you mot cities will not allow you to have a substantial conflict of interest and run for city council. For example, if you own a company that has a contract with your city, you won’t be able to run.

Personal Traits You’ll Need to Succeed

In order to get elected to council, you’ll need certain personal traits and characteristics, including:

• Wit and humour (at least traces of humour)

• Comfort with public speaking

• A very thick skin

• Eloquence

• The ability to give you sound bites

• Vision

• A good temperament

• Ability to think on your feet

• Self-motivation and discipline

General Job Description of a City Councillor

A city councillor is a member of the governing council of a municipality, often referred to as City Council. City Council is responsible for the legislative and administrative functions of a municipality. They adopt by-laws and resolutions and evolving policy within the ambit of the powers delegated to them. 

As a councillor, or “Member of Council”, you would play both a legislative role and a constituency role.

In your legislative role, you would be responsible for considering and establishing policies and by-laws to implement Council's decisions.In your constituency role you would be responsible for consulting with the constituents of your ward/district and for ensuring that all sides of an issue are considered in the decision making process.

Please Note: Often, a city councillor is elected by the voters within a specific district and is expected to work for the good of that district. However, in some cities and towns, they may be elected to represent all of the city's voters.