Buy George's Books
George Cuff's books are exclusively available through Municipal World.
All Royalties from book sales go to support Camp Falcon Rock, a children's camp in Romania.
George Cuff's books are exclusively available through Municipal World.
All Royalties from book sales go to support Camp Falcon Rock, a children's camp in Romania.
George's Books
The Mayor (published by Municipal World in 2021)
For an in-depth look at the most critical role in local government, all MW readers should have a copy of George’s latest and comprehensive description of The Mayor.
Tucker Goes to City Hall (Co-authored with Jill Lewis) (2020)
This marks a departure from George’s prior writing. It is a great tale of a young boy and his dog as they explore their community and learn about a Council and its administration. This will be a great resource for educators and Mayors when they visit schools or take part in “local government week”.
Leading: The Real Value of a Mayor and Council (2019)
Our approach to local government across North America needs a re-boot. It is stuck in a model which is aged, stale and generally redundant. It is premised on the largely erroneous and self-serving notion that municipalities are plagued by inadequate management and that those elected are therefore expected to “help” administrators in their day to day activities. This text tries to move local government leaders toward a new mould: that of truly acting as leaders.
Life's Lessons inside City Hall (A collection of short stories from the trenches) 2017
This set of short stories based on what happened and might have happened in my consulting assignments across Canada and North America will ensure that the reader enjoys some light moments as well as some “takeaways” based on my experiences with those who serve in “City Hall”.
Off the Cuff - Volume 1
This collection of writings, the first in a series, includes a sampling of the numerous columns and articles George Cuff has written over the past three decades. The articles flow out of the author’s experiences as a consultant to all three levels of government (but primarily to Canada’s local and regional leaders). These are issues on which Cuff has lectured, or which derive from actual occurrences at ground level. They reflect the real challenges of political life, and are written from an experiential point of view. These articles have been selected because they bring to bear a particular perspective on matters that Cuff believes will be most likely to benefit the reader.
The first volume includes sections on:
Off the Cuff - Volume 2
This collection of writings, the second in a series, includes a sampling of the numerous columns and articles George Cuff has written over the past three decades. The articles flow out of the author’s experiences as a consultant to all three levels of government (but primarily to Canada’s local and regional leaders). These are issues on which Cuff has lectured, or which derive from actual occurrences at ground level. They reflect the real challenges of political life, and are written from an experiential point of view. These articles have been selected because they bring to bear a particular perspective on matters that Cuff believes will be most likely to benefit the reader.
The second volume includes sections on:
Off the Cuff - Volume 3
This collection of writings, the third in a series, includes a sampling of the numerous columns and articles George Cuff has written over the past two decades. The articles flow out of the author’s experiences as a consultant to all three levels of government (but primarily to Canada’s local and regional leaders). These are issues on which Cuff has lectured, or which derive from actual occurrences at ground level. They reflect the real challenges of political life, and are written from an experiential point of view. These articles have been selected because they bring to bear a particular perspective on matters that Cuff believes will be most likely to benefit the reader.
The third volume includes sections on:
Cuff's Guide for Municipal Leaders - Vol 1 *bestseller!
Finally, a book that defines what municipal governance is all about. Management consultant George Cuff delivers no-nonsense advice about the appropriate roles of council members, the head of council, and the administration, discussing:
Cuff's Guide for Municipal Leaders - Vol 2
Often, council members sense that what they are doing is adding little value to the well-being of their communities, but they are unsure as to how to make the changes or adjustments that would result in stronger, more focused leadership. In this second volume, Cuff aims to help municipal councils understand and apply the principles and techniques of effective governance, covering issues such as:
Executive Policy Governance
George’s latest book is now available through Municipal World. This was released mid-2014 to considerable acclaim and is a natural follow-up to his two “Cuff’s Guide” books. This one points to what has been missing in so many municipal Councils and that is a focus on “policy governance”. The book points out the problems associated with an inadequate governance regime and the lack of a policy focus. It also provides a useful template for setting clear policies.
Cuff's Survival Kit
Give yourself the knowledge you need to start off on the right foot, with essential readings from municipal management expert George B. Cuff, and a subscription to Municipal World, Canada’s municipal magazine. The kit includes:
... Just writing to congratulate you on your "Guide for Municipal Leaders". I always have found myself in complete agreement with your [George Cuff] philosophy on this topic; and I think that this book is both very necessary and extremely well done. I have purchased copies for our team and have recommended it to UBCM for its Newly Elected Officials School. I also do a fair amount of Provincial education in the field and will certainly be recommending this to all parties – Gerald Berry, City of Nanaimo, BC
... congratulations to George Cuff on compiling this valuable resource – Bernie Kreiner, CAO, Town of Hinton, AB
... you've released another Bible – Rick Butler, City of Iqaluit
... engagingly written book – Chip Martin, London Free Press
... It is a must read for senior government officials, senior administrators, provincial ministers and MLA's, municipal, health and other councils' and boards and for anyone working in or with the public sector ... you will appreciate his wit and insight – Rick McDonald
... Cuff's Guide for Municipal Leaders is packed with insights and tips from his extensive experience as a municipal employee, member of council and consultant. From the need for a prompt orientation for councillors, to the importance of the governance role of members of council and the kinds of policy question that need to be asked, to the council landmines that need to be avoided, to the 12 hallmarks of a successful councillor, this short book offers practical guidance and helpful suggestions. – Dick Tindal
... It'll become a must-read for anyone hoping to survive and thrive in the ever-changing world of municipal politics. – David Courtemanche
... I have just finished reading George Cuff's new book entitled "Making a Difference: Cuff's Guide for Municipal Leaders - A survival guide for elected officials" and I believe it is a must read for all individual councillors and senior administrators. There are a myriad of good sections in this book including governance, leadership roles and council-management relationships that will be of benefit to anyone involved with municipal government. Copies can be obtained from Municipal World and I believe a memo to the members of your respective organizations would be very beneficial. Royalties received are being directed by George to a camp for disadvantaged children in NW Romania – Gerard Lewis, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland