So You’re Thinking of Running for Local Government
Thinking about throwing your hat in the ring for local office? Or maybe someone told you you should run? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run — and serve — in local government.
Joel and Sean share candid reflections on why people run, what the job actually involves, and what they wish they knew before signing up. From campaign prep and council dynamics to emotional stamina and reading 2,000-page agendas, this episode is packed with real talk (and a few warnings).
Plus... An apology from a Nanaimo city councillor who suggested sending busloads of people to a cabinet minister’s house, and had the courage to walk it back.
Whether you’re gearing up for the next municipal election or just curious what goes on behind the nameplates, this episode is for you.
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Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com and be sure to drop us a line.
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Make Housing More Affordable (By Taxing It?)
Can provincial housing targets be a smarter way to plan future housing across the province?
In this no-guest episode of Non-Partisan Hacks, Joel and Sean unpack a new Parksville resolution headed to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) that seeks to uplevel how the Province sets housing targets for local governments. It’s a call for smarter, more climate-resilient, infrastructure-ready planning for BC's future.
In this show's quote take, we confront the awkward truth: local governments are trying to make housing more affordable… using the limited tools they have: taxing homes.
We also touch on:
Factors besides population growth predictions that need to be part of the housing equation
Insurance industry may have some insight into planning
and Sean's take on Sean's take
Want more background on the resolution? Read Joel’s full blog post:
joelgrenz.ca/advocacy/ubcm-resolution-supporting-climate-resilient-and-infrastructure-ready-housing-targets
Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com
And now... you can also watch and subscribe to Non-Partisan Hacks YouTube.
And hey — if you’ve got a good government story, a guest idea, or just want to say hi, we’d love to hear from you.
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Zero Percent Problem with Chris Brown from Cross Border Interviews
Is a 0% property tax increase really something to celebrate? Or is it just kicking the financial can down the road?
In this episode of Non-Partisan Hacks, we’re joined by Chris Brown, host of Cross Border Interviews, for a candid conversation about municipal responsibility, political courage, and the dangerous allure of short-term wins. We dig into Chris’s viral editorial on local governments that prioritize popularity over planning — and why some municipalities might need to look in the mirror before pointing fingers at higher levels of government.
We also touch on:
What Chris has learned from 350+ interviews with elected officials
Why rural communities feel left behind
The power imbalance between provinces and municipalities
And yes — the bread makes another appearance.
Learn more about Chris and his show at crossborderinterviews.ca
Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com
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From Paralympics to Public Office with Michelle Stilwell
Welcome to Non-Partisan Hacks, where hosts Sean Wood and Joel Grenz, both Parksville city councillors, take you behind the scenes of good governance. This episode is extra special as we welcome our very first guest, Michelle Stilwell—Paralympic champion, former MLA for Parksville-Qualicum, and passionate advocate for inclusive communities.
Michelle shares her journey from winning gold medals to navigating the complexities of provincial politics. We dive deep into her transition from elite sports to serving as Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation in British Columbia. Michelle also offers candid insights on the realities of public service, the importance of relationship-building in governance, and what was involved in her role as caucus chair.
And yes, there’s fresh-baked bread involved, courtesy of Sean!
Don't miss our "Quote Take" segment, where we unpack the latest headlines and discuss integrity in politics.
📢 Tune in to learn about leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to serve your community.
Visit nonpartisanhacks.com to catch up on past episodes and share your thoughts.
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Horse, Cart, and 2,000 Elected Officials Walk Into a Conference…
In this episode of Non-Partisan Hacks, Joel and Sean return from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference in Ottawa. We share what we learned, who we met, and why it matters back home.
We cover how FCM gives local governments a collective voice on national issues—from aging infrastructure to housing targets—and why property taxes alone aren’t cutting it anymore. We also break this episode’s “Quote Take” from FCM President Rebecca Bligh, who challenged the Prime Minister to help reform a system designed in the “horse and cart era.”
Hosted by two Parksville city councillors, Non-Partisan Hacks brings you behind the scenes of how government really works — without the spin, the shouting, or the partisanship.
We dive into the practical, the absurd, and the oddly inspiring world of local government, while mixing in the occasional provincial and federal twist. Expect real talk about decision-making, budgets, bylaws, and political hot potatoes — with a healthy dose of humour and honesty.
Canada - english