Convening for Action in British Columbia

CONFRONT THE PROBLEMS, OPERATIONALIZE SUSTAINABLE SERVICE DELIVERY: “Arnold Schwabe has written an outstanding article. He sets the scene, defines the problem, and closes with a call to action. The way he weaves his storyline makes it a ‘must read’ article,” stated Kim Stephens of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia

February 11, 2025 - Posted in Convening for Action in British Columbia

Note to Reader:

Published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. The edition published on February 11, 2025 featured an essay by Arnold Schwabe of Asset Management BC. He shares his vision for building on the foundation created by Wally Wells, his predecessor as Executive Director (2010-2024). His core message is that it is time for a re-set in terms of how local governments deliver services.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Confront the problems, operationalize sustainable service delivery! – an article by Arnold Schwabe in the Asset Management BC Newsletter

The article by Arnold Schwabe is structured in four parts. First, he introduces an historical perspective. Then he foreshadows how he envisions Asset Management BC will adapt to what is happening in local government. After that, he states the “purposes” of local government. He closes with a discussion on why he believes the precursors of change are in place for a re-set to take place.

May you live in interesting times

May you live in interesting times is a well-known expression.

“Whether you believe this is an English expression or that it is claimed to be a translation of an old Chinese curse, the implied message remains the same,” wrote Arnold Schwabe.

“Sir Austen Chamberlain (son of Joseph Chamberlain, British politician and social reformer) wrote the following in a letter to Frederic Rene Coudert Jr.”

“You can be forgiven if you have never heard of these two people. That quote is from 1936, almost 90 years ago, but it could have easily been written yesterday.”

“Significant wars are taking place, governments are toppling, new Provincial governments have been elected in Canada, and we are seeing a general feeling of unrest in our local governments as well.”

Who is Arnold Schwabe and what is his vision for Asset Management BC?

“This is where my story begins. I started in my new role as Executive Director of Asset Management BC on October 1, about a month before the 2024 annual AMBC conference, so the bulk of my first two months was spent on conference preparations and wrap-up.”

“I have spent the last 35 years working in private organizations, working for and with Provincial and Federal government branches, and in a municipality and regional district. I am now taking on the full-time role in Asset Management BC (AMBC) and will step into the shoes of Wally Wells, a legend in the asset management community.”

“AMBC is changing and the next few years will involve a review of the organization, the “5 W’s” of the services we provide. We’ll also be looking at the “How” in an effort to increase awareness and identify problems, in an effort to change, to adapt to what is happening in local government. I prefer to call it a reset.”

“I believe the current situation at AMBC is a reflection of change that is happening in local government. We have seen rapid increase in inflation, downloading of services from other governments, a focus on housing, a focus on tackling climate change, integration of natural assets, and a continuing demand for social services.”

“I realize CPI is not a good indicator of cost increases in municipalities, and that elections are often won on the promise of keeping taxes low, but I do not think we have done a good job of explaining those details, or people no longer care. They demand change.”

Legislation provides contextual framework for operationalizing Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery

“But, the flavour of the month cannot be allowed to distract us from our purpose. If you need a reminder, all you need do is read Section 185 from the Local Government Act (LGA) and Section 7 from the Community Charter (CC) on the ‘purposes’ of local governments in BC.”

“I may be biased but I would consider parts ‘b’ and ‘c’ to be the most important of these. I do not believe a community can provide services or guarantee the well-being of residents without a sound foundation of infrastructure upon which to live, build, and grow.”

Seven precursors of change must be at least partially present for change to occur

“A large part of that involves re-evaluating services and better informing taxpayers on costs and resulting decisions. Governing bodies must have the courage to make that change, before the decision is made for us. This generation may be on the brink of financially and environmentally bankrupting future generations.”

“If you follow Kim Stephens’ articles in the Waterbucket eNews, you will see these same sentiments. It is not a coincidence that our articles have a similar theme, we have discussed these issues. We are at the end of three decades of evolution and appear to be at a standstill.”

“Kim has identified nine factors that must be in alignment for change to happen. Many of them require the willingness for change and the courage of staff and elected officials to confront the problems and bring about lasting, meaningful change.”

“While I was writing this, I ran across a book by Fred Hanna on The 7 Precursors of Change, qualities that must be at least partially present in a client for change: a sense of necessity, a willingness or readiness to experience anxiety, awareness, confronting the problem, effort of will towards change, hope for change, social support for change.”