Book
Yup, I wrote a book to help people understand city finances. I guess it was inevitable, but I promise you, it’ll be the most fun you’ll ever have reading about city finance. And yes, I recognize that’s a low bar.
It’s written in plain (and fun!) language, and short enough to be read in an afternoon — kind of like a TED talk, but in book form — and it’s meant for citizens, media, city staff, council members, academics, everyone! I’m really hoping anyone who reads it will come away with a much deeper understanding of how we need to grow our cities going forward, if we want them to be financially sustainable.
Here’s what people are saying about it:
A powerful and much-needed wake-up call
— Charles Marohn, Founder and President of Strong Towns
“If you’ve ever wondered why your city keeps cutting services while your taxes keep rising, this book is for you. With sharp analysis and a touch of humor, Mitch unpacks the financial realities behind failing infrastructure and declining city budgets. A powerful and much-needed wake-up call.”
Share this:
A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities
“In this delightful read, Michel masterfully tackles the world of municipal finances with humor, adventure, and a well-researched case study. With a storytelling approach that makes complex financial concepts both accessible and engaging, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities and towns.From practitioners and researchers to students, council members, and city administrators—not to mention the taxpayers who ultimately shape their communities—this book offers valuable insights for all. Michel’s deep knowledge and passion for our shared local assets and infrastructure shine through, making this both an informative and entertaining journey. Most importantly, it leaves readers with clear, optimistic steps to build thriving, financially sustainable communities for decades to come.”
— Stephanie Ortynsky, PhD, Public Policy Researcher, Instructor & Yorkton SK City Councillor
Share this:
Lucid, illuminating, empowering
“After more than 20 years in the municipal sector both as Councillor and now as Chief Administrative Officer, I have come to the conclusion that something is fundamentally wrong with how we run our municipalities. In prose that is lucid, illuminating, empowering, and chuckle-inducing, Michel Durand-Wood has put his finger on the problem.Cutting through the complexity and jargon of municipal finance, Michel builds our understanding of why our cities and communities struggle and shows us how we can begin to turn this trend around.
Every citizen who loves their community and wants to see it thrive should read this book. Every elected official who has campaigned on ‘keeping taxes affordable’ or ‘improving services’ should memorize it.”
— Duane Nicol, CAO, City of Selkirk MB
Share this:
A mandatory read for any voting citizen
“With levity and comedic prose providing tasting notes similar to Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Michel provides what should be a mandatory read for any voting citizen. While the prose may be funny, the content is anything but.Auto-dependent suburban sprawl is driving municipalities like yours and mine towards financial ruin. It is just as unaffordable for residents as it is for city budgets. The good news is, we have a solution, and together we will build stronger communities, prosper economically and afford a great city for everyone forever.”
— Michael Janz, Edmonton AB City Councillor & Three-term public school trustee
Share this:
An essential “municipal finance 101”
— Nicole Roach, Chair, Women in Urbanism Canada
“If you’re fighting for more bike lanes, better buses, and beautiful parks in your city, it all starts with understanding the nuts and bolts of municipal finance. If you want to make a difference at city hall but are dissuaded by the inaccessible budget documents, this book breaks it all down so that anyone can take meaningful action in their communities. Budgets talk, and fortunately for us, Michel is here to translate them for us, helping make municipal finance accessible to anyone and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. An essential “municipal finance 101” for anyone who wants to make their city a better place to live.”
Share this:
So I need your help to get this book into as many hands (and brains) as possible. If you’re feeling up to it, here’s what you can do:
1. Pre-order the book: If you’re able, pre-ordering the book is a super impactful way to help. It should be available anywhere you buy books (please support local bookstores whenever possible), but here are some links in case you don’t know where to start. If you’re in Canada, the book releases on May 20th, 2025:
If you’re in the US or the UK, the book releases on June 24th, 2025:
UK links:
Looking to do a bulk buy of 15+ books for your city council, community group, advocacy organization, book club, or to use as a prop in your Zoom background? Reach out to Great Plains Press and they’ll hook you up!
2. Reserve the book at your public library: If you’re in Winnipeg, here’s the link to the book at the Winnipeg Public Library. If you’re somewhere else, request it from your own city, town or school library!
3. Invite me to your city: Want me to come do a talk in your city? Contact Angeline at Great Plains Press or myself (or both!), and let’s make it happen!
4. Suggest/have me as a guest for an interview: Have a fave urbanist/literary/financial/political/other podcast, YouTube channel, blog, radio show, magazine or newspaper? Let them know you’d like to see/hear me interviewed on it. And if you run your own podcast, YouTube channel, blog, radio show, magazine or newspaper, contact Angeline at Great Plains Press or myself (or both!). I’d be happy to chat!
5. Tell your friends and family: Seriously, I can’t be the only weirdo who talks about city finance at Sunday dinner with family, around the water cooler with coworkers, after the curling game with friends, at the grocery store with the clerk, while waiting for the bus with strangers, or as a bedtime story with my kids… right?
6. Share it on the interwebs: I’ve heard social media is all the rage these days. Pick your favourite social medium (may I suggest… um, all of them?), compose your pithiest message about how everyone should read this book, and send it out! Here are some easy share buttons to get you started:
So what do you say? Let’s change the world together!