As we bid farewell to 2023 and reflect on the incredible journey we've had with "The Municipal Affairs," we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our listeners across Canada and around the globe. What started as a tentative venture turned into a remarkable experience, thanks to your overwhelming support and interest in municipal affairs.
When we first introduced "The Municipal Affairs," we aimed to delve deeper into the stories shaping Canada's councils and municipalities. It all began with a simple email from a mayor in southern Alberta, sparking our curiosity and paving the way for a show dedicated to the intricate issues faced by communities nationwide.
Our journey officially kicked off in September, initially as a YouTube exclusive. However, the enthusiasm from our audience prompted us to expand our reach, making the show available on Spotify and other audio platforms. The response was overwhelming, and it became clear that there was a genuine appetite for in-depth discussions on municipal matters.
As the year unfolded, we had the pleasure of engaging in thought-provoking conversations with various municipal leaders. From addressing the housing crisis in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, to discussing the aftermath of wildfires in Kelowna, and exploring the implications of the territorial election in Yellowknife – each episode brought new insights and perspectives.
Looking ahead to 2024, we're thrilled to announce the expansion of "The Municipal Affairs" to Apple Podcasts, a special New Year's gift to our dedicated audience. We have exciting plans in the pipeline, collaborating with organizations across Canada to bring you more engaging discussions, including a follow-up with Municipal Leaders in Ontario, conversations with "Munici-Buds," and insightful discussions with past Presidents of FCM, reflecting on the trajectory of Municipalities since 2000.
To kick off the new year, we'll be running a three-part series on "Victim Service Units" in Alberta, exploring the implemented changes and their impact on communities. And, of course, we'll continue providing weekly recaps of the most significant municipal news stories from coast to coast.
"The Municipal Affairs" will be back on January 22nd, 2024, with a brand new episode featuring Chris Brown. We invite you to join us as we embark on another season filled with captivating discussions and live on-location coverage. We'll be present at the Annual General Meeting of SUMA in April, attending FCM in Calgary in June, and participating in various municipal organization meetings across Canada.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our listeners for making the soft launch of "Municipal Affairs" a resounding success.
Your support fuels our passion for exploring and understanding the issues that matter most to communities across the nation.
Until we meet again in 2024, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.