2026-04-29-operations-update-strategic-initiatives

Meeting Notes: 2026-04-29 - Operations Update and Strategic Initiatives

Date: April 29, 2026 Attendees: Ken, Liam Wilkinson (UBI), Frank, Andrew, Philippe, (Mike, Lars Doucetz, Elliot - mentioned)

Quick Recap

This operations update meeting focused on organizational progress across multiple areas. Liam and Ken reported on a payroll error discovered by SES that required tax filing amendments, while the board’s insurance and benefits program was renewed with the Chambers of Commerce plan due to its utilization rate averaging features. Frank discussed potential participation in a Community Land Trust summit in Ottawa, including exploring an exhibitor table option, and Liam presented significant updates on their DSGE modeling work with Timbo, showing promising results including a 6% increase in housing units and 3% above baseline GDP growth from a 5% LVT over 40-year phase-in. Ken shared updates on their Toronto housing meetup which attracted 95 RSVPs, recent publications including an article on the HST subsidy, and their response to the Canada Sovereign Wealth Fund announcement which generated over 10,000 website visits and 600 petition submissions. The conversation ended with discussions about their transition to Action Network platform scheduled for the 15th and the launch of a new AI chatbot named Andrew on their website.

Detailed Discussion Points

Meeting Check-in and Agenda Discussion

• Participants: Ken, Liam, Frank, Andrew, Philippe. Andrew shared experiences from São Paulo.
• Agenda for upcoming hour-long meeting, some participants sent regrets or would be delayed.

Payroll Error and Tax Filings

• Liam introduced Phil, who joined as a permanent employee.
• Discussion on a payroll error by SES in 2025 (significant misfilings and underpayments).
• Ken and Liam adjusted tax filings; concerns raised about Baker Tilly’s review.

Benefits and Insurance Program Review

• Liam clarified previous engagement was a review, not an audit.
• Benefit and insurance program renewals: Chamber’s plan remains the best option due to utilization rate averaging.
• Insights accounting proposal: Liam recommended acceptance of their $1,100 monthly retainer until at least Q3.

Strategic Partnership Initiatives Update

• Frank reported on meetings with Carl from Grounded (Australian CLT) and Kent Mundell (Canadian professor, visiting scholar at McGill/U of C).
• Architects and urban planners receptive to LVT concepts.
• CLT summit participation: Frank proposed a $5,000 customized package for a national housing conference (3 days coverage, focused on young activists and academics). Follow-up pending a meeting with Ottawa Community Land Trust’s board next Wednesday.

Conference Exhibitor Table Proposal

• Frank proposed an exhibitor table at an upcoming Ottawa conference (September 28th - October 1st).
• Floyd supported the idea for networking and advocacy.
• Liam expressed cost concern but agreed to benefit. Frank to follow up post-meeting next week.

Conference Submission Planning Discussion

• Discussion on two upcoming conferences.
• Frank to inquire about submission deadline extension (concerns about time).
• Liam and Ken reviewed plans for Basic Earth Network Conference (August), considering LVT funding and GBI modeling work.
• GOS Network Summer Conference in Europe: Liam’s participation uncertain due to costs; Lars Doucetz mentioned as valuable presenter.

Research Presentation Planning Update

• Liam discussed submission deadline for a presentation; suggested earlier submission for prime spot.
• Frank encouraged Liam to present globally.
• Liam updated on research model (version V4, over a thousand lines of code). Shared with advisors for cross-checking assumptions. Need to include density choice function.

Land Value Tax Impact Projections

• Liam presented model outputs: 5% LVT over 40-year phase-in.
• Predicted 6% more housing units by year 10.
• Welfare analysis showed benefits for renters (slightly more) and homeowners.
• Economic output projected to grow 3% above baseline GDP by year 20.

LVT Research Publication Progress

• Progress on publishing papers, collaboration with Elliot (econ student) and U of T faculty.
• Preparing for academic publication; developing specific model variations.
• Andrew suggested expressing LVT as percentage of rental value. Liam noted capitalization rates vary significantly.

Organizational Updates and Initiatives

• Successful Toronto Housing and Land Value Tax Meetup (95 RSVPs).
• 10x surge in Commonwealth web visits after Canada Sovereign Wealth Fund announcement.
• Launched new AI-powered tools: chatbot named Andrew, petition campaign.
• Upcoming Basic Income Earth Network Congress meetup in Toronto (August 19th).
• Transition to Action Network platform scheduled for completion by the 15th.

Next Steps / Action Items

• Frank:
  • Follow up with key CLT board member next week regarding CLT summit participation and potential exhibitor table/booth options; report back at the end of May meeting.
  • Ask Mike next week about possible late submission for a talk at the CLT summit, and proceed if there is flexibility, otherwise do not.
  • Call Liam tomorrow to wrap up a few loose ends.
• Ken:
  • Start setting proposals to potential partners for the June Ottawa meetup in the following week, after gathering venue suggestions.
  • Launch the UBC petition campaign soon (noted as upcoming, but not yet live).
• Liam Wilkinson (UBI):
  • Sign the Insights accounting proposal (retainer) by tomorrow, unless objections are raised.
  • Revisit and potentially submit a proposal to present the DSGE model at the GOS Network Summer Conference, including a budget proposal, within the next 2 weeks if personal schedule allows.
• Liam Wilkinson (UBI)/Floyd/Team:
  • Create and deploy a chatbot for Commonwealth website soon.