Speaker Announcement: Lily Cheng at Municipal Masterclass
Community engagement plays a central role in local government, particularly in fast growing urban communities where resident participation shapes decision making. At Municipal Masterclass 2026, attendees will hear from elected officials working directly with communities at the local level, including Lily Cheng, Councillor for the City of Toronto.
Lily Cheng represents Ward 18 Willowdale on Toronto City Council. A long-time Willowdale resident, she has spent more than a decade building community initiatives and creating opportunities for residents to stay connected and engaged.
Before serving on Council, Lily Cheng founded and supported several grassroots initiatives focused on community care and neighbourhood support. Her work includes founding North York Moms, co-founding We Love Willowdale following the Yonge Street tragedy, helping establish a local food bank, and leading the Willowdale COVID Response Network during the pandemic.
At City Hall, Lily Cheng serves as the Mayor’s Champion to Eradicate Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Based Violence. Her work focuses on strengthening community participation and helping residents feel connected to local decision making.
A key part of Lily Cheng’s approach to public service is creating accessible ways for residents to engage. She regularly connects with her community through newsletters, surveys, town halls, and public events that encourage open dialogue and participation.
Her work also includes advancing participatory budgeting initiatives and supporting the development of a future Willowdale Intercultural Hub. These efforts reflect a broader focus on inclusive planning, collaboration, and long-term community development.
Lily Cheng brings a practical municipal perspective shaped by community leadership, resident engagement, and local governance.
Why Attend Municipal Masterclass 2026
Municipal Masterclass 2026 is designed for candidates, campaign teams, elected officials, and professionals preparing for the upcoming municipal election cycle. The event features speakers working across politics, governance, communications, and civic leadership.
Attendees will gain exposure to how municipal leaders engage communities, communicate with residents, and build stronger local participation through public service.
Explore the full Municipal Masterclass 2026 speaker lineup and reserve your ticket through the official event page.
