The Long Road between Small Towns Barriers to

The Long Road between Small Towns: Barriers to Building Community Development Partnerships in Rural BC Laura Ryser and Greg Halseth

OBAC Region

Outline • Rural restructuring • Partnership issues • Methodology • Network gaps • Barriers to developing partnerships • Policy implications

Rural Restructuring • Began in 1980 s • More responsibilities downloaded to local governments • More calls for local gov’t staff to form strategic partnerships • Partnerships critical to strengthen local and regional capacities

Partnerships Issues Partnerships increasingly important to: – pool resources and obtain expertise – address complex problems Defining partnerships: – Compatible goals – Shared risk / accountability – Clear management structures Equally involved in decision-making and governance – Financial contribution ≠ partnership – Even distribution of resources, responsibilities, and benefits

Building Partnerships • Partnerships built through: – Social cohesion • Opportunities for interaction • Developing well-worn paths – Social capital • Trust / confidence • Networks of support, information, and resources

Partnership Challenges Infrastructure • Isolation and limited communication infrastructure Human Resources • Limited staff and time • Partnership activities not incorporated into job roles and expectations • Limited leadership • Lack of succession planning strategies

OBAC Region

Methodology Questions: • To assess routine interaction – Gov’t, First Nations, economic development, and community groups • To identify network / partnership activities • To assess trust amongst networks Analysis: • Responses coded / categorized to identify patterns and themes.

Routine Interaction • Routine interaction with: – Neighbouring local / regional district gov’ts – MLAs / Ministry of Community Services – Leading employer – Education / health care groups – Voluntary groups – Media • Limited / no interaction with: – First Nations band council / tribal council – Economic alliances – Industrial associations

Activities I General Support • Advice and support • Sharing information – Discuss common issues – Updates • Research and training • Funding – Understand funding processes

Activities II Targeted Support • Regulation and policy development – Developing by-laws • Physical and social Infrastructure – Joint regional infrastructure • Economic development initiatives – Regional development initiatives – Tourism strategies – Employment transition programs

Developing Trust I Sharing Resources • Human resources – Access to staff support / free labour – Board participation • Funding – Provide financial support / donations – Assist with fundraising • Infrastructure – Shared space / equipment

Developing Trust II Operations • Advice and support • Ability to follow through – Competent, committed staff – Completed tasks / projects • Shared responsibilities – To deliver services • Communications – Time made for discussion – Quick responses to requests

Barriers to Building Partnerships I Resources • Lack of human resources – Out-migration of professionals / skilled labour – Lack of skills / capacity – Fewer leaders – Recruitment / retention issues – Inactive groups • Funding – Difficulty receiving timely funding – Lack of long-term funding programs

Barriers to Building Partnerships II Operations • Slow processes • Inability to follow through – Limited availability – No attendance at meetings – Job tasks not completed • Lack of communication – Slow responses – Information / plans are not shared

Barriers to Building Partnerships III Power • Lack of influence • Decisions not made locally • Lack of political will to support initiatives

Policy Implications I Human Resources • Support training programs • Encourage succession planning strategies • Support institutional learning habits Meetings and Personal Contact • Support more opportunities formal and informal interaction

Policy Implications II Innovation • Support / share success stories of innovation – Regional economic development officer Funding • Need long-term funding programs • Special funding to acquire more staff • Promote funding opportunities to local groups • Common sense funding applications and reporting procedures • Flexible funding programs

Policy Implications III Relationships with First Nations • More communication with band tribal councils • Support First Nations liaison positions • Encourage local groups to attend First Nations meetings • Arrange transportation for First Nations representatives • Support including First Nations representatives in local and regional endeavours

Community Development Institute (CDI) 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, Canada V 2 N 4 Z 9 http: //www. unbc. ca/cdi Dr. Greg Halseth, Acting Director Phone: (250) 960 - 5826 Fax: (250) 960 - 6533 Email: halseth@unbc. ca