Learn, Lead, Grow

Records and Information Management Month, 2026 Records and Information Management (RIM) Month, is celebrated worldwide in April each year. Many records and information managers in local government organizations use this opportunity to raise awareness and educate staff and leadership about the importance of information management through creative, unique promotions within their organization. The goal is to emphasize the significance and relevance of organizing and maintaining records and data to manage information efficiently and effectively. ______________________________________________________________________ Robyn Biggar, Manager of Information Governance, City of Maple Ridge Let the Record Show the Importance of Information Governance Every local government employee creates, uses, and manages information—and plays a role in ensuring it is governed responsibly and in compliance with legislated standards. To keep staff informed about requirements and expectations, the City of Maple Ridge has launched “ For the Record” , a quarterly staff newsletter. It features archive stories, privacy and legal updates, and practical records management tips. Beyond the “what” and “why,” it uses storytelling to show how strong information governance preserves our civic identity and strengthens community through shared history. This communication is especially important as the City adopts large language models (LLMs) and other generative AI tools . While these technologies can improve local government work, they can also introduce risk if not implemented and used carefully—impacting accuracy, reliability, accountability, integrity, and compliance. Ongoing staff awareness (including through the newsletter) is a practical way to reduce organizational risk and support responsible use.  On April 1 , staff will also release an “Off the Record” edition to mark April Fools’ Day and celebrate Records and Information Management Month , using humour to boost engagement. Sample headlines include: “HEARTBREAKING: Long-anticipated time capsule full of expired A&W coupons” and “Records Centre revealed to be portal to Paper Realm.”

Member Spotlight on Lisa Spitale

Local Government Advanced Elections Workshops Online Tuesday, April 14: 1-3PM (Registration is closed) Thursday, April 23: 1-3PM Wednesday, April 29: 10AM-12PM If you are responsible for, or supporting your local government election, this advanced workshop is for you! The LGMA will be holding a series of Advanced Elections Workshops for local government and school officials in advance of the 2026 General Local Government Elections. Representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Elections BC, and the LGMA Elections Advisory Committee will be leading the workshops by Zoom. These workshops are designed to supplement the 2026 BC Local Elections Manual helping to prepare employees with all the tools, skills, and confidence needed to hold a successful local government or school trustee election. If your local government has not yet purchased the new manual, order your copy today . Format: The workshop will be held virtually using Zoom, facilitated by LGMA Elections Advisory Committee members, representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Elections BC. Fees: $385 + GST (members), $440 + GST (non-members) Participants only need to register for ONE workshop date; they will each cover the same content. Review the brochure . Please select the workshop you would like to attend:  Register online for April 23, 2026 (registration closes April 9, 2026) Register online for April 29, 2026 (registration closes April 15, 2026) Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided after registration closes for each workshop.