Exploring best practice across leading councils internationally, this VLGA & LGIU Global Executive Live Panel -  part of LGIU’s Future Local Lab - will delve into topics around growing the local economy.

Global trends of decentralisation mean that increasingly local government is the main vehicle for delivering local and inclusive economic growth. But changes to how we understand growth mean that concepts such as doughnut economics, mission-governance, and investment zones are offering different avenues for councils exploring economic growth. Growing local economies in a fair and sustainable way for all residents and communities in a locality is a shared challenge for local government across many countries. This Global Executive Panel will explore some of the key drivers behind successful initiatives implemented by different councils.

This event takes place at 08:30 - 10:00 BST / 17:30 - 19:00 AEST / 19.30 - 21.00 NZST via Zoom

Key areas for discussion will include

• What is the role of local government in economic growth? 
• Are we simply chasing GDP or is there a new model for delivering inclusive and community-focused growth?
• How do we future-proof our solutions to ensure local economic planning remains resilient to economic changes?
• What does community ownership mean for local growth?
• What drives the differences in local economic performance and what are the shared challenges?
• How to ensure that the whole local area benefits from local economic growth initiatives.

Speakers

Dr Angela Jackson - Commissioner

Dr Angela Jackson has been appointed for a 5 year term as full time Commissioner (Social Policy) commencing 28 April 2025.

Starting her career as an economist at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Angela has worked across tax, fiscal and social policy. As the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Australian Finance Minister during the Global Financial Crisis, Angela was responsible for providing policy advice across fiscal policy and all areas of social policy, including National Health Reform. Working as an economic consultant, Angela has authored a number of high-profile reports on health, aged care, disability, housing and gender policy.

David Marlow - Chief Executive, Third Life Economics

With over 30 years senior public service experience in the UK and overseas, David is an experienced development economist and Chief Executive (of a large  UK metropolitan local authority, a Regional Development Agency, and now his own company). Since 2008, David has become one of England’s leading advisors on local development and placemaking He is founder and Chief Executive of Third Life Economics (3LE), Visiting Professor of Practice at CURDS Newcastle, and co-host of the LED Confidential podcast. His passion for local economic development and placemaking has seen him contribute to most of the major UK policies and programmes of recent years. His current portfolio includes working on devolution and public services reform, ‘inclusive growth’, and place-based futures. He has a long association with LGIU having authored around 80 briefings, and participated in many other LGIU projects over the past 13 years

Alexander Merryn Tinkler - Manager Economy and Culture

Merryn is currently working with Mount Alexander Shire as Manager of Economy and Culture, with a portfolio that includes Economic Development, Tourism and Arts and Culture. Her work-life has evolved as a unique adventure through theatre, music, community, arts, connection, change, communication, events, marketing and strategic planning.

Merryn has worked in leadership roles across Government, Higher Education, Events Management, Arts, Health, Community and Cultural Development. Her expertise revolves around service and leadership, and developing strategy that provides people with clear roadmaps that links to a solid set of values. An expert at managing complex stakeholders from cross organisational global relationships to community gatherings Merryn has a passion for personal development and influencing community change.

Rob Huntington - Chief Executive, Rossendale Borough Council

With over 30 years public service experience in the UK, Rob is currently Chief Executive of Rossendale Borough Council, one of 15 local authorities in the county of Lancashire in the North West of England, an area that is part of the wider UK local government reorganisation programme.  Prior to this, Rob held senior positions in large metropolitan areas, including St Helens in Merseyside, Sheffield in South Yorkshire and Trafford in Greater Manchester.

About our partners

The VLGA is an independent (non-partisan) governance organisation supporting councils and councillors in achieving the highest standards of governance on behalf of their communities. They provide opportunities for councillor networking, professional development and information exchange and actively engage with key policymakers and broader stakeholders to inform, influence and lead the conversations that determine the priorities for the local government sector in Victoria. vlga.org.au | [email protected]

About Future Local Lab

LGIU’s Future Local Lab is a holistic programme of resources to help local government prepare for and respond to the emerging challenges facing the sector internationally. From embracing the opportunities of new technology to tackling the threats of climate change, join us for ideas and inspiration.