Growth and globalization demand that cities be able to offer better services to their citizens and to be competitive. Capacity building has thus become imperative for meeting urban challenges in housing, infrastructure, transportation, environment, finance, management, social and economic development. Recognizing this reality, Metropolis, the World Association of Major Metropolises, has created the International Institute for the Management of Major Metropolises, located in Montréal (Québec) Canada.

Mission

The Institute offers applied management training in various urban sectors. This practical and hands-on development training is intended primarily for elected representatives and city officials. Also, the Institute provides technical assistance and networking opportunities to elected representatives and officials involved in areas of urban activity.

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Objectives

  • Offer professional training programmes and technical assistance geared to participants’ and organizations’ needs.
  • Foster the acquisition of functional competence oriented towards problem solving.
  • Update participants' knowledge and management methods.
  • Enable participants to ddevelop professional relations that will facilitate the carrying out of projects.

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Practical Approach

The Institute favours practical training that draws on participants’ experience. This interactive approach relies on case studies, i.e. the examination of everyday situations in order to facilitate the transfer and adaptation of knowledge in the context of participating organisations. Thus, throughout the training sessions specialists will help participants resolve their problems using their own projects and the best teaching techniques and tools available.

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Experts

The Institute has training and professional development specialists with vast and recognised experience in the public and private sectors at the local, regional, national and international levels, as well as a solid education in their respective fields. When the training programme is given in Montreal, meetings with counterparts (officials and senior executive managers) are organised for the participants to help them develop professional relations.

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Study Tours

To strenghen its practical training, the Institute organises visits to sites and projects of the public and private-sector organisations pertinent to the training programme. These technical visits are designed to reinforce hands-on training, maximize on-site discussion with officials and managers regarding the conditions for a successful project, build professional relations and subsequently develop profitable partnerships.

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Accomplishments

Since its creation, the Institute has organised many training programmes of variable durations for several cities in many countries in all the continents and covered a variety of subjects. The Institute’s achievements enabled it to develop a strong understanding of local and metropolitan challenges and a solid experience in governance and capacity building.

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