Mark Tam
DARE Project: Strong Mayor Powers
Program(s) of Study: Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & Economics
Project Supervisor: Zachary Spicer
Through my research, I hope to illuminate the significant ripple effects that legislation can have on various levels of government and society.
Project Description:
For my DARE research project, we conducted an in-depth examination of the timeline and legislation surrounding strong mayor powers in Ontario. Our study focused on identifying which cities had implemented these powers, the circumstances under which they were utilized, the specific policy areas they affected, and the trends indicating which cities or mayors were more likely to employ them and why. To gain a comprehensive understanding, we distributed a survey via Qualtrics to mayors, councilors, municipal staff, and journalists. This survey sought their opinions on the matter to assess the impact of these powers beyond tangible policy outcomes, exploring how political actors perceive their influence. We then cross-referenced these perceptions with data on the actual usage of strong mayor powers. This multifaceted approach allowed us to present a thorough analysis of the implications and effectiveness of strong mayor powers in Ontario's municipal governance.The Dean’s Award for Research Excellence (DARE) – Undergraduate enables our students to meaningfully engage in research projects supervised by LA&PS faculty members. Find out more about DARE.