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 1980s 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 for 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 and 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 V2N 4Z9 Dr. Greg Halseth, Acting Director Phone: (250) Fax: (250)