Peer Exchanges support municipalities in their long-term planning initiatives by bringing toether a few member-city representatives in a workshop format.  Over a two-to-four-day period, each city uses a dedicated block of time for a peer review of some aspect of their current practice, although each event has its own program.

The focus for a peer exchange is decided through discussions on current challenges, and refined as the other participating cities are identified. Typically, the workshop involves cities from the same region and may draw in other cities that have demonstrated innovated approaches.

The peer exchanges enable city planners and decision-makers to step back and consider issues through the eyes of their peers. The perspective gained can help in identifying strategic intervention points and strengths on which to build for overcoming barriers. The exchanges are cost-effective as cities serve as consutants to each other.  Because they are closed-door sessions, members can talk openly about mistakes and failures as well as about successes.

To find out about current and upcoming Peer Exchanges click here.