September agenda brims with challenges for council and staff; CAO grapples with maintaining order and focus
In the heart of Burlington, a question hangs in the air: who will take over from Curt Benson, the current Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), after the 2026 municipal election? As of August 2025, Benson remains in place, but no publicly stated successor has been announced.
The role of a CAO is pivotal, as they set the culture, tone, values, and commitment to serving the public within the city. Benson, a planner by training, is known for his thorough preparation and straightforward approach, earning him the reputation of a decent bureaucrat who doesn't skirt issues or give fuzzy answers.
However, Burlington has a history of City Managers not staying in their positions for long periods. The city's past includes individuals like Tim Dobbie, who served as the City Manager for over a decade and knew every staff member by name.
The current state of City Hall is a far cry from its past vibrancy. Some describe it as sterile and vacant, a stark contrast to the bustling hub it once was. Traffic congestion in Toronto and parts of Burlington also contribute to the sense of emptiness, with some city jobs allowing employees to work from almost any location. This flexibility is evident in the finance sector, where some individuals seldom visit City Hall.
Despite the changes, there are areas that require improvement. The level of service provided by certain departments at City Hall needs enhancement, a fact that is not lost on the city's residents.
Amidst the uncertainty, there is hope that Benson can evolve into a City Manager. This transformation would bring stability and continuity to the city, a quality that is highly valued in municipal government.
In a related development, Iain Dobson, co-founder of the Strategic Regional Research Alliance (SRRA), has stated that the concept of working from home no longer defines most people's "new normal." This sentiment is shared by many, as the return to traditional office environments becomes more prevalent. However, the situation in Toronto, with its high concentration of banks and large corporations, is different, with many still working from home due to the ongoing need for office space.
As the 2026 election approaches, the people of Burlington eagerly await the decision regarding Benson's future and the announcement of his potential successor. In the meantime, the city's staff continue to serve the public, with recent pictures showing their participation in a United Way fundraising event.
The future of Burlington's leadership remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the city's residents and staff remain committed to making Burlington a great place to live and work.
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