Do you want to learn more about how decisions are made at the City of Toronto? Are you looking for facts and figures on Toronto, or are you interested in learning about how to make a deputation to members of City Council? Follow the links below to find a range of resources that will help you understand and get involved with your city.

• Understanding your City
• City of Toronto information
• How to get involved

Understanding your City

• Your Guide to the City of Toronto
  The City of Toronto had produced a series of guides that provide introductory information on how decisions are made, the roles of Councillors and the Mayor, elections, and more.
  
  
• The City of Toronto's administrative structure
  Links to information on all of the City's divisions, the structure of City Council and its Committees, Council's Legislative Process, and a directory of all City Committees.
  
  
• City Budget
  Read background reports, fact sheets, learn about the process, and find out how you can get involved in the City of Toronto Budget.
  
  
• Council Briefing Book
  When a City Council is elected, staff prepare briefing material for Councillors including information on the programs, policies, and issues Councillors need to know about. This briefing material is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the range of things Council must consider.
  
  
• Toronto Civics 101
  An introduction to your City government with videos, exercises, and links to more resources.
  
  
• School Programs
  City of Toronto school programs provide fun and interactive opportunities for students of all ages to learn about their city, its politics and its past, while gaining knowledge that complements curriculum topics including civics, social studies, history, geography and literature.
  
  
• What People Have Said
  The City of Toronto, Decision-Making, & Civic Engagement: What People Have Said (PDF) - a summary of feedback from the public on their role in local decision-making.

City of Toronto information

• City Councillors and wards
  Do you know who your City Councillor is, or what ward you live in? You can find your Councillor and learn more about your ward. If you are visiting City Hall, you can even take a self-guided tour.
  
  
• Demographics and data
  The City's demographic information portal provides links to a wide range of information, including census, labour, and employment information, and neighbourhood profiles. You can also check out the City's Wellbeing Toronto interactive tool and see the City of Toronto's progress with Performance Measurement.
  
  
• Customer service
  The City of Toronto aims to deliver exceptional, equitable and accessible customer service.
  
  
• Privacy and personal information
  Learn more about how the City of Toronto handles information and manages privacy issues and protects personal information.

How to get involved

• Share your views
  You can search for consultations happening across the city, see Council's Meeting Schedule, find out how to make a deputation to a Committee of City Council, read statutory public notices, or learn about polling.
  
  
• Public appointments
  The City needs residents of Toronto to serve on high profile, challenging and exciting boards of directors for City agencies. View any current opportunities and learn more about public appointments.
  
  
• Community resources
  Are you interested in working with your community? Below are links to just some of the resources developed by the City of Toronto, other cities and organizations that may be helpful as you explore your community and your role in local issues.
  • Action for Neighbourhood Change - A Guide for Neighbourhood Planning (PDF)
  • Community Power Pack (PDF)
  • Deliberative Democracy Consortium
  • Dotmocracy - Decision making for large groups
  • International Association for Public Participation (Canada)
  • InvolveYouth 2: A guide to meaningful youth engagement
  • Jane's Walk: How to bring neighbourhoods together through community-led walking tours
  • Live Green Community Animators
  • National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
  • Say&Play - A report and toolkit for improving Local Government consultation
  • Special Events Planning Guide
  • Taking Part in Public Consultations: Becoming Informed, Asking Questions and Expressing Opinions, a Practical Guide for Citizens - City of Montreal (PDF)

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