Local Solutions Bank

Welcome to AMO’s Local Democracy Solutions Bank 2.0

The recently launched Local Democracy Solutions Bank 2.0 is a catalogue of resources designed to help communities in Ontario find practical ways to improve democratic and political participation.  

Here’s what you can search in the latest edition:

1.    Democracy Solutions
A collection of practical solutions and approaches to help your local democracy function better.

2.    NEW Candidate Supports
Resources, tools, and training for candidates running for municipal office in Ontario.

3.    NEW Reports and Research 
Reports and research on efforts to improve local democracy.

Welcome to AMO’s Local Democracy Solutions Bank.

AMO's Local Democracy Solutions Bank


Make a Deposit in the Solutions Bank

Any Democracy Champion can submit a solution through the “Add Resource” tab on our website. The Local Democracy Solutions Bank currently houses submissions from non-profits, charities, community-based organizations, academic institutions, resident-led community groups, municipalities, and media partners. Solutions will be checked by the Healthy Democracy Project Team before potential addition to the Bank.

Try a Solution in your Community

Solutions from the Local Democracy Solutions Bank can inspire thought, engagement, and action.

  • Thought: Does this solution fit within your vision for a democracy? Can it be altered to apply to your community? Can it facilitate further discussion?
  • Engagement: Can this solution increase democratic participation in your community? Would it increase voter turnout? Would it support candidates and newly elected officials?
  • Action: Is this a solution that can immediately and positively impact your community?  What steps need to be taken to implement this solution? What community partners could support this solution?

In the Local Democracy Solutions Bank, you’ll find a collection of practical solutions, tools, resources, and approaches to help make your local democracy work better.

Solution categories include:

  • Supporting Candidates
  • Electoral Participation
  • Democratic Participation
  • Media and Misinformation
  • Engaging Diverse Communities
  • Improving Civic Education
  • Civility and Respect

Solution Spotlight: Town of Marathon’s “Student Councillor” Program

The Town of Marathon's unique student councillor program sees local youth, who are in full-time secondary school, provide a youth perspective relating to the issues the town faces. 

Students are invited to: 

  • Get involved in discussions around the council table
  • Participate in engaged learning with and from elected officials
  • Gain valuable skill and insight about municipal governance

The Local Democracy Solutions Bank is an initiative of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's (AMO) Healthy Democracy Project and developed with the support of The Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).