THERE's nothing like the annual Canadian Federation of Independent Business report on municipal spending to upset town hall.
Not surprisingly, the report is not a favourite of local politicians, perhaps because of its foregone conclusion that municipal spending is out of control.
Reading the report, it is hard to shake the sense that its parameters are chosen precisely for their ability to show civic spending in the most unflattering light.
Comparing spending to population, for instance, will always paint areas with one or two-person households like West Vancouver in a worse light than areas with a higher percentage of young families.
Repeatedly, the report points out the obvious fact that costs are rising faster than inflation. It's unlikely anyone's going to be surprised by that. More sobering is the degree to which spending is outstripping taxpayers' ability to pay.
Probably the biggest service done by the report is to get people thinking about civic priorities. Local government used to spend mainly on basics like roads, garbage and sewers. Today, they deal with everything from expanding recreation programs to social issues like affordable housing and homelessness. All of that costs money.
Fact is, while the CFIB report garners headlines, budget discussions are often sparsely attended. For those who want to make real change, that's where civic engagement should take place.
Sure, the report this week has created a buzz in the days before the local election. But making tough decisions is something local councils and their citizens will still have to grapple with come Sunday morning.
