Connect with us

Technology

2025 MNP Municipal Report: Canadian local governments lean into AI and analytics to drive meaningful progress

Published

on

New report from MNP and Leger reveals the barriers, priorities, and progress shaping local government modernization in 2025

CALGARY, AB, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ – Local governments across Canada are advancing how they use data and artificial intelligence (AI) to better serve their communities. By addressing resource needs, improving data accessibility, and developing internal capabilities, municipalities are poised to drive more consistent outcomes across the country.

According to MNP’s latest Municipal Report, developed in partnership with Leger, 23 percent of Canadian municipalities are currently using AI, though over half are actively exploring or planning adoption. What’s driving this momentum? A push for more efficient service delivery, better decision-making, and stronger community connections.

Building on insights from MNP’s 2024 and 2023 Municipal Reports, this year’s edition reflects responses from 282 local and regional governments. The report highlights the changes in priorities, persistent challenges, and emerging tools influencing the municipal landscape today.

“Municipalities aren’t interested in technology for technology’s sake. They’re looking for practical solutions that help them solve real problems for real people,” says James Richardson, Partner and National Leader of MNP’s Municipal Community of Practice. “This report provides insights on the issues and priorities that can help them craft their local approach to making pragmatic, sustainable progress — even in the face of limited budgets or complex systems.”

What are the top priorities for local governments?
This year’s study shows local governments remain focused on core responsibilities like cyber security, customer service, and technology modernization. However, emerging priorities such as AI, data analytics, and smart city initiatives have surged in importance.    

Key municipal priorities in 2025 include:

Cyber security and privacy (78%)Citizen experience and service delivery (65%)Technology modernization (63%)Artificial intelligence (48%, more than double from 2024)Smart cities and digital infrastructure (47%, up 12% from 2023)

“Across Canada, we’re seeing a shift toward data-driven decision making, but it requires more than just new tools,” Wendy Gnenz, Partner and National Municipal Digital Leader at MNP. “Municipalities need to embrace a new way of providing programs and services — capitalizing on the vast amounts of data they have at their fingertips.

What’s standing in the way of progress?
While priorities are clear, implementation remains challenging. Municipalities report persistent barriers, including:  

Insufficient resources (50%)Complicated decision-making processes and outdated procedures (44%, double from 2023)Legacy technology systems (43%)Lack of subject matter expertise (36%)

Although overall resource constraints have declined slightly since 2023, issues tied to legacy policies, systems, and risk aversion is becoming more prominent blockers to progress. Nearly one-third of municipalities still lack formal guidelines for using AI, and nearly half rely primarily on Excel for analytics, limiting their ability to extract deeper insights or make predictive decisions.

Another challenge lies in cyber security preparedness. While 83 percent of respondents say they feel prepared to manage data privacy and cyber threats, fewer than 35 percent consider themselves very prepared. In response, roughly three out of four identified cyber security training as one of their top internal needs — signalling the growing importance of capacity-building alongside new technology investments.  

How are municipalities using AI today
Among those using AI, the most common applications focus on practical, people-first outcomes:

Customer service chatbots and citizen engagement toolsPublic safety and environmental monitoringInternal HR functions like scheduling and recruitment

At the same time, municipalities are prioritizing self-service platforms to improve access and convenience for citizens. These tools include mobile apps and online portals for taxes, permits, issue reporting, and other services. These investments are helping reduce administrative pressure while improving the overall customer experience.

Why MNP leads this work
As the pace of change accelerates, municipalities don’t need a complete overhaul. They need clarity, confidence, and the right resources to keep moving forward. That’s why MNP continues to lead this national study. We’re committed to being a reference point and thought leader for Canadian local governments — providing relevant insights to help communities navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.

Whether they’re implementing developing technologies, rethinking service delivery, or building internal capacity, we believe every community deserves a roadmap tailored to its unique needs and realities. This report is one way we support that mission, offering grounded, data-driven perspectives that leaders can use to make informed, people-focused decisions.    

For survey data, analysis, and expert insights, download the full report here: https://www.mnp.ca/en/clients/public-sector/2025-municipal-report

About MNP LLP
National in scope and local in focus, MNP is one of Canada’s leading professional services firms — proudly serving individuals, businesses, and organizations since 1958. Through the development of strong relationships, we provide client-focused accounting, consulting, tax, and digital services. Our clients benefit from personalized strategies with a local perspective to fuel success wherever business takes them. For more information, visit www.mnp.ca.

SOURCE MNP

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

on

By

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-colleen-reilly-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302753052.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

Continue Reading

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

on

By

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-contributor-kianga-moore-to-host-executive-media-roundtable-on-ais-transformational-impact-in-retail-302753148.html

SOURCE Vendormint

Continue Reading

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

on

By

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairway-home-mortgage-earns-prestigious-usa-today-top-workplaces-award-for-6th-consecutive-year-302753183.html

SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage

Continue Reading

Trending