In small towns and tight-knit communities like Lincoln, Ontario, trust between residents and local government is the bedrock of a thriving civic life.
These communities often shine as examples of openness, where town halls, public meetings, and local leaders are accessible to everyday folks. Unlike larger urban centers, small towns have the advantage of proximity—residents can often speak directly to their mayor or council members without layers of bureaucracy. It’s a strength worth celebrating.
But even in places where transparency is a point of pride, there’s always room to grow, to deepen that trust, and to ensure every voice feels heard.
A recent report from Hamilton, Ontario, published by the Bay Observer on March 14, 2025, titled “Mayor’s Task Force Paints a Bleak Picture of Public Trust in City Affairs,” offers a sobering look at how trust can erode when transparency falters.
While Hamilton is a larger city with its own unique challenges, the findings from its Mayor’s Task Force on Transparency, Access, and Accountability provide valuable lessons for smaller communities like Lincoln.
By praising what small towns already do well and offering practical recommendations inspired by Hamilton’s experience, we can chart a path to even stronger community bonds.
Lincoln’s Transparency Triumphs
First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Small towns like Lincoln often excel at the kind of grassroots engagement that bigger cities struggle to replicate.
Whether it’s regular council meetings open to the public, newsletters detailing local decisions, or community events where leaders mingle with residents, these efforts foster a sense of connection.
In Lincoln, for instance, the town’s commitment to sharing updates on projects like infrastructure improvements or local events through accessible channels—like the town website or social media—helps residents feel in the loop.
This openness is a cornerstone of trust, and it’s something small communities should take pride in.
Contrast this with Hamilton, where the Mayor’s Task Force found “a culture of secrecy” and a “perceived lack of accountability” at City Hall. Residents there reported feeling shut out of decision-making, with one submission to the Task Force bluntly stating, “City Hall doesn’t care about residents.”
That’s a stark difference from the neighborly vibe of a place like Lincoln, where local leaders are often familiar faces. Small towns have a natural advantage here—they’re less likely to hide behind closed doors because the community itself demands visibility.
It’s a strength worth protecting and building upon.
Lessons from Hamilton: Where Trust Breaks Down
The Hamilton Task Force, chaired by Joanne Santucci and Mark John Stewart, delivered its final report in early 2025 after months of public consultation.
The picture it painted was grim: a majority of respondents—both residents and city staff—expressed distrust in how decisions are made. Key findings included a lack of clear communication about city activities, restricted access to meaningful public engagement, and a failure to follow through on promises.
The report highlighted specific pain points, like the 2018-2022 council term’s sewage spill cover-up and questionable land deals, which fueled perceptions of opacity.
For a small town like Lincoln, these issues might feel distant. After all, a community of roughly 25,000 doesn’t face the same scale of complexity as Hamilton’s 600,000-plus population.
But the underlying principles apply universally: trust erodes when people feel excluded, uninformed, or dismissed.
Even in a transparent town, a single misstep—like a poorly explained budget decision or a closed-door meeting—can plant seeds of doubt. Hamilton’s experience is a cautionary tale, but it also offers a roadmap for improvement that Lincoln and similar communities can adapt to their scale.
Recommendations to Enhance Transparency and Build Trust
Drawing from the Hamilton Task Force’s recommendations and tailoring them to a small-town context, here are practical steps Lincoln and other communities can take to strengthen their already-solid foundation of trust:
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Make Information Proactive and Plainspoken
The Hamilton report called for “proactive disclosure of information” to counter perceptions of secrecy. In Lincoln, this could mean going beyond posting council minutes online (a great start!) to actively sharing bite-sized updates on social media or in a monthly email blast. Explain decisions—like why the town chose a specific road repair project—in simple, jargon-free language. For example, a quick post like, “We’re fixing Main Street this summer because it’s seen 20% more potholes than last year—here’s how it’ll help,” can demystify the process and invite feedback. -
Open Up Engagement Opportunities
Hamilton’s Task Force suggested creating an independent Ombudsperson’s Office to handle complaints—a big-city solution. For Lincoln, a lighter approach could work: host regular “Coffee with Council” sessions at a local spot like a café or library. These informal meet-ups let residents ask questions directly, share ideas, or voice concerns without needing a formal delegation process. Pair this with an online suggestion box on the town website, ensuring even busy folks can weigh in. -
Show Accountability in Action
In Hamilton, distrust grew when promised actions didn’t materialize. Small towns can avoid this by closing the loop—publicly track progress on commitments. If Lincoln’s council pledges to upgrade a park, post updates: “Step 1: Budget approved. Step 2: Contractor hired. Step 3: Swings installed!” A simple timeline on the town’s Facebook page or a bulletin board at the community center shows residents their input leads to results. -
Leverage Local Voices
The Hamilton report emphasized amplifying diverse perspectives. In Lincoln, this could mean forming a rotating citizen advisory group—say, five residents chosen annually from different neighborhoods—to review major proposals before they hit the council table. It’s a low-cost way to ensure decisions reflect the whole community, not just the loudest voices. -
Celebrate Transparency Wins
Small towns often do great work that goes unnoticed. Take a page from Hamilton’s call for better communication and spotlight your successes. Did Lincoln resolve a tricky zoning issue after public input? Share the story: “Here’s how your feedback shaped our decision.” A little self-praise builds confidence that the town is listening.
Why It Matters for Lincoln
Transparency isn’t just about avoiding scandals—it’s about creating a community where everyone feels they belong. In Lincoln, where agriculture, tourism, and small businesses thrive, trust keeps the local economy humming and the social fabric strong. Residents who trust their leaders are more likely to support tax increases for a new community center or rally behind a local festival.
Conversely, even a hint of opacity can dampen that spirit.
Hamilton’s Task Force report, with its 24 recommendations, is a wake-up call for cities everywhere—but for small towns like Lincoln, it’s also an opportunity.
You’re already ahead of the curve with your community-first approach. By adopting a few targeted enhancements, you can set a gold standard for transparency that other towns might envy.
A Call to Action
To the folks of Lincoln and similar communities: keep holding your leaders accountable, but also celebrate what’s working.
Drop by a council meeting, chat with your mayor at the farmers’ market, or send a quick email with your thoughts.
And to local leaders: keep the doors open, the lines clear, and the conversation flowing.
Trust is a two-way street, and in small towns, it’s paved with the kind of connection that makes places like Lincoln special.
Let’s take inspiration from Hamilton’s challenges—not to point fingers, but to raise the bar.
Lincoln, you’ve got the heart and the tools to show how transparency can build a community that’s not just functional, but truly united. Here’s to keeping the faith—and making it even stronger.
