The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) counts nearly all of the province's 444 municipalities as members. AMO's primary function is to advocate for the continued powers of municipal government and policies that positively impact them. In doing so, the non-profit organization educates the public about local government's role within the greater political landscape. At the core of AMO's effectiveness is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) it has forged with the province government. This MOU helps to establish the municipal level of government as an effective voice in Ontario's policy-making process. The MOU spells out specific conditions for AMO's involvement in policy making. The association is governed by a 43-member board comprised of elected and non-elected municipal authorities. A team of policy analysts provides recommendations to the association, which then utilizes a committee structure to formulate official positions for board approval.
Ontario's local government administrators are represented collectively by The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO). In addition to providing legislative and regulatory representation for members, the organization has built a strong reputation over the past 70 years providing an accreditation program, educational and leadership training, and operations expertise for municipal staff. The association serves over 2,000 municipal professionals and has divided the province into nine geographical zones for the purpose of delivering services. One of AMCTO's primary services to members is to provide a Certified Municipal Officer, or CMO, accreditation program designation, which it bills as the most comprehensive program for municipal administrators in Canada. The association uses a committee structure to research and formulate policy recommendations. It's long-term involvement in policy has earned the organization the reputation of a knowledgeable and influential voice with the province's regulators and elected officials.
Government affairs representation for the managers of over 180 public drinking water authorities throughout the province is the primary function of the Ontario Municipal Water Association (OMWA). OMWA's membership consists of elected, appointed and regular employees at the management level whose organizations combined provide service to over seven million households and businesses. The association was established in 1966 as the only organization of its kind in Canada. OMWA provides access to expert analysis on issues impacting water safety and quality issues in Ontario.The association represents water supply authorities and the people they serve before various policy makers and regulators. The association holds its annual meeting jointly with the Ontario Water Works Association. OMWA's main policy focus is on maintaining high standards for treatment, infrastructure and management of municipal water supplies. These issues include environmental quality and sustainability, and conservation of water resources.
