Speaker Announcement: Mayor Marianne Meed Ward at Municipal Masterclass
Municipal elections are becoming increasingly competitive, with candidates and teams needing to be more strategic, prepared, and informed than ever before. Municipal Masterclass 2026 is designed to bring together individuals involved in campaigns to share practical insights and real-world perspectives on what it takes to navigate today’s municipal landscape. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will be joining Municipal Masterclass 2026 as a speaker. She is currently serving her second term as Mayor of Burlington and is the longest-serving female mayor in the city’s history. In addition to her role as Mayor, she serves as Chair of the Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus, representing leadership across some of the province’s largest municipalities.
Before becoming Mayor in 2018, she served as a Burlington City Councillor from 2010 to 2018. Her time in municipal government has focused on areas such as community engagement, planning, and local decision-making.
As Mayor, Marianne Meed Ward has emphasized balanced development, with a focus on maintaining Burlington as a place to live, work, and play while preserving its natural environment. Her approach to leadership includes an emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and ongoing engagement with residents.
She is also the founder of the Elect Respect initiative, a national campaign aimed at promoting respect, inclusivity, and safety in public life. The initiative reflects broader concerns around civic discourse and participation in politics.
Prior to her work in public office, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward spent more than two decades in journalism as a writer, editor, and broadcaster. She holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University, bringing a communications background to her work in municipal leadership.
Marianne Meed Ward’s participation adds to the group of speakers at Municipal Masterclass 2026 with direct experience in municipal governance and public leadership.
Why Attend Municipal Masterclass 2026
Preparing for a municipal campaign requires more than visibility — it requires a clear understanding of strategy, communication, and execution. Municipal Masterclass 2026 brings together experienced practitioners who have worked directly in campaigns and government, offering perspectives grounded in real scenarios.
Attendees will hear from leaders who understand the realities of municipal decision-making and campaigning. These insights can help candidates and teams approach their campaigns with greater clarity, structure, and awareness of what works.
The event is relevant for candidates, campaign teams, and professionals looking to strengthen their understanding of municipal elections and governance.
To explore the full speaker lineup and event details, visit the Municipal Masterclass 2026 event page. To secure your place, visit the Municipal Masterclass tickets page.
