Ballot Babes

If you’d like to support us please head over to https://patreon.com/herproblem?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkAlso head over to BallotBabes.com and fill out our survey about your city councillor and send us a voice-memo while you’re at it!What if you understood how municipal money could actually change the way we build our future? This week we have a special guest joining us, Winnipeg’s municipal finance expert Michel Durand-Wood, who unlocks the secrets most voters and even some politicians don’t see, revealing how city infrastructure costs are piling up decades before we realize it, and how understanding these numbers can help you make smarter choices at the ballot box.In this episode, you'll discover how municipal budgets really work, and why most election promises don’t account for the long-term costs they create. Michel explains why city debt isn’t “bad,” but a part of a much bigger picture involving infrastructure, urban planning, and sustainable growth. We break down complicated concepts like capital versus operating budgets, infrastructure investment, and tax strategies with surprising clarity, showing how these financial secrets directly impact your daily life, from streets and parks to transit and water.You’ll learn how the development patterns of the past have locked cities into cycles of debt, costing billions in future taxes and maintenance, bringing to light the real price of growth. Michel shares practical steps for voters, candidates, and community members to get involved and advocate for transparent, responsible city finances. More importantly, he reveals that the person with the real power to make change, is… wait for it, YOU!This episode is perfect for anyone frustrated by long-term infrastructure costs, confused by election promises, or eager to see their city become more affordable, sustainable, and livable. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a city council watcher, or a future voter, Michel’s insights help you see the city’s financial health clearly and act accordingly, because your voice and your vote can shape a smarter, more resilient Winnipeg.Michel Durand-Wood is the creator of Dear Winnipeg and author of “You’ll Pay for This!” known for translating complex municipal finance into plain language that everyone can understand. His work helps cities across North America recognize that infrastructure isn't just about roads, it's about the future of communities built on solid, responsible finances.Let’s build smarter cities together, because the future depends on it.Links:The City Project Book Series: https://thecityproject.org/Patty’s website: www.pattybikes.comSam’s website: https://www.smbeiko.com/

Tell us the good, the bad and the ugly about your City Councillor here: If you don’t know what ward you’re in, check it out here: https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/wards-elections/council-wards-map In today’s episode, we will talk about the Empowering Women event at City Hall, and share some speculations of who’s running in Winnipeg’s 2026 civic elections. We would also love to hear what you think about your city councillor! Are they doing a good job or are you frustrated with the way things are going in your neighbourhood? Tell us everything by filling out this form and we’ll be sure to give you feedback in upcoming episodes. https://forms.gle/JgTk2tbUR4xUi1HE9Key TopicsCandidate eligibility and registration deadlinesProfiles of mayoral and council candidatesThe election process and voting tipsCommunity involvement and political engagementHistorical milestones in Winnipeg's city councilLinksOur website: https://www.pattybikes.com/ballot-babesChapters00:00 Empowering Women in Local Politics02:54 Campaign Strategies and Community Engagement05:36 Challenges Faced by Women in Politics08:16 The Role of School Trustees11:11 Speculations on Upcoming Elections19:58 Candidate Overview and Insights27:14 City Council Dynamics and Incumbents34:27 Understanding Paper Candidates and Their Impact

If you are feeling lost in the maze of Winnipeg politics, you're not alone. Many people don’t understand how municipal decisions impact their daily lives. But do not panic! The Ballot Babes are here! Our goal is to discuss the pressing political issues in Winnipeg leading up to the election on October 28th. This podcast will equip you with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the decisions shaping your community.In this episode we take calls from listeners regarding Winnipeg Transit and we dive deep into the latest Executive Policy Committee meeting, focusing on issues of safe speeds and the bike lane project on Wellington Crescent. If you didn’t have a chance to watch the latest meeting, we have digested and collected THE BEST “little videos” to help you understand:An amazing delegation from University of Manitoba’s Professor Richard Milgrom explaining why a pilot project is the best form of public engagement;Councillor Evan Duncan’s AMAZEMENT and condescension at a delegate’s preference to have the pilot project completed and give away 5.5 million to other, more pressing needs.How the mayor, Scott Gillingham feels about senior citizens who want to use active transportation;What Councillor Jeff Browaty thinks about slowing down the speed limit in residential streets;Links:Ballot Babes Website - Support Us and Leave us a Message! https://www.pattybikes.com/ballot-babes Full Executive Policy Committee Meetinghttps://youtu.be/_GoMvb7Zfug?si=JANUdFFZX8dII6Z1 Learn more about Sam’s books at www.smbeiko.comPre-order her new book here: https://ecwpress.com/products/sleuth-of-ferren-city?_pos=5&_sid=4edeea6bf&_ss=rPatty’s website: https://www.pattybikes.com/ Order Patty’s book here: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Politics01:22 Reviewing City Hall's Recent Events04:49 Feedback on Winnipeg Transit09:26 Budget Priorities and Police Spending10:27 City Hall's Executive Policy Committee Meeting18:54 Community Engagement and Delegations26:38 Expert Opinions on Infrastructure28:17 Mayor's Comments on Seniors and Infrastructure33:37 Speed Limit Discussions and Community Safety41:42 Community Meetings and Civic Engagement48:51 BallotBabes_Animation.mp448:55 NEWCHAPTER#Winnipeg #MunicipalProjects #CityBudget #Infrastructure #CommunityEngagement #Housing #PublicTrust #CityCouncil #UrbanPlanning #PublicPolicy #Transportation #CommunitySafety #BikeLanes #SpeedLimits #PublicEngagement

Check out our website at ballotbabes.com and send us a voice memo with your thoughtsIn this episode, we reveal the secret inner workings of Winnipeg’s governance, exposing a system that keeps the public in the dark and makes real change nearly impossible. We dive into the notorious "strong mayor" model, showing how private briefings, limited transparency, and a handful of decision-makers wield control over city projects, from budget cuts to infrastructure delays. Plus, laugh and get outraged as we dissect a recent public works meeting filled with shortcuts, sneaky motions, and political games designed to thwart community efforts. 00:00 Introduction to Local Politics01:12 Understanding Winnipeg's Governance Model15:37 The Strong Mayor Model and Its Implications16:02 Public Works Meeting Insights31:12 Understanding Delegations and Their Impact37:22 Navigating City Council Meetings43:47 The Role of Community Advocacy49:00 Analyzing Recent Council Decisions57:35 Next Steps for Advocacy and EngagementCouncillor Lukes’ Website: https://janicelukes.ca/Winnipeg Governance Model Video by Councillor Luke's - https://youtu.be/nx_T03uG6a8?si=SJtBVBaFjym7QwZwCity of Winnipeg Official Website - https://winnipeg.caPublic Works Committee Meetings - City of Winnipeg - https://winnipeg.ca/council/meetings/public-worksCity of Winnipeg election results 2022 - https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/clerks/election/election-2022/results/index.htmlAs a Patreon supporter, you get first dibs on this episode, so make sure to go to Patty’s Patreon page and add to cartOrder Patty’s book in Canada from McNally Robinson: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781773371399/patty-wiens/thatll-never-work-here?blnBKM=1and in the USA from Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/that-ll-never-work-here-challenging-the-myths-around-biking-in-a-winter-city-the-city-project-book-3/632bcbd73d3178fe?ean=9781773371399&next=tSign up for Patty’s newsletter at www.pattybikes.com Learn more about Sam’s books at www.smbeiko.comPre-order her new book here: https://ecwpress.com/products/sleuth-of-ferren-city?_pos=5&_sid=4edeea6bf&_ss=r

Welcome to Ballot Babes! Our inaugural episode explores the importance of local politics in Winnipeg, how city council decisions impact your daily life, and how citizens like you can become more engaged in the political process–with a civic election coming up in October! Hosts Patty Wiens and Sam Beiko share personal stories, recent political events, and practical tips for voter engagement.Resources:Standing Policy Committee of Public Works Agenda for March 4, 2026 at 9:30 AMWinnipeg Transportation Master Plan City of Winnipeg Council Meetings How to Find Your City Councillor in Winnipeg Logo designed by Sam Beiko using graphics created by Amir Rahman Sunaryo and Gantar Priot Logo animation by Vandalante.ywg