31 Trust and its Impact on Collaboration in a Local Government Context

Abstract

This paper outlines an examination of the impact of trust on willingness to collaborate at the local government level in Alberta. This is a reflection on examining these concepts and how a better understanding of trust by local decision makers and policy makers will help to create more effective supports and tools to encourage collaboration between municipalities. The purpose is to encourage the interest to collaborate to provide quality services to residents who live in the region. The anticipated outcome of this research is to enhance knowledge related to trust and collaboration, its impact on provincial and local policy and to increase capacity in local government to better serve inhabitants.