Mayor's Taskforce: Improving Transparency, Accountability and Access

Transparency at City Hall Remains My Priority

As we move into the implementation phase, I want to share an update on our work to strengthen transparency, access, and accountability in Hamilton:

Why We Started
Residents told me they wanted clearer, more open decision-making at City Hall. In response, I established the Mayor’s Task Force on Transparency, Access, and Accountability to develop concrete recommendations.

Taskforce Work
Over the past year, Chairs Joanne Santucci and Mark John Stewart have led a comprehensive review, engaging Hamiltonians through:

• An online survey reaching thousands of residents
• Focus groups with community organizations
• Public delegations at Standing Committee meetings

What We’ve Learned

• Insights from these sessions have shaped a detailed recommendations report, outlining actions to:
• Improve online and in-person access to City Hall information
• Streamline processes for submitting and tracking public requests
• Enhance clarity in Council decision-making

Next Steps
Staff are reviewing the report with City Manager Marnie Cluckie and crafting an implementation plan, with the goal of moving swiftly from recommendations to real improvements.

I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Joanne Santucci, Mark John Stewart, and to all Hamiltonians who took part. Your voices guide our path forward, and I remain dedicated to building trust through openness and accountability.

Mayor Andrea Horwath