About Colleen
A neighbour, a colleague, a dedicated public servant
Colleen James was elected to the Region of Waterloo's Regional Council in October 2022, representing Kitchener residents.
She brings more than 15 years of experience in municipal government at both the city and regional levels. Colleen is the founder of Divonify Incorporated, a leading consultancy on leadership development, equity strategy, and organizational change, and is a former post-secondary instructor.
Colleen is committed to the long-term sustainability of the region, with a focus on housing, transit reliability, road safety, responsible spending, and accountable, equitable governance.
My Pillars and Guiding Principles
1. Community-Centred Decision Making
Leadership begins with listening.
- Accessible and responsive representation
- Decisions informed by knowledge, lived experience and community input
- Representing people, not simply making decisions for them
2. Proven Leadership
Consistently delivering for the community through action, collaboration, and measurable results.
- Grounded in real outcomes: infrastructure, advocacy, and community impact
- A consistent and reliable presence
- Leadership built on trust, accountability, and service
3 . Responsible Growth & Future Readiness
Planning for growth in a way that strengthens both today’s community and tomorrow’s opportunities.
- Smart and sustainable development
- Infrastructure aligned with growth
- Long-term thinking over short-term gains
4. The Work is Not Finished
Our community continues to face important challenges that require thoughtful leadership and long-term solutions.
- Housing affordability and responsible growth
- Transit and infrastructure pressures
- Building a stronger and more inclusive future
5. Integrity & Accountability
Public trust is earned through transparency, consistency, and principled leadership.
- Open and values-driven decision-making
- Accountability to the community
- Willingness to make difficult but responsible decisions
Key community initiatives
- Securing support for the $150K Youth Fund
- Lead the reinstating of the Waterloo Night Loop GRT
- Advocating for increased Food Bank funding
- Supporting funding for the Immigration Partnership
- Championing a safer, paved, accessible pathway at the Kitchener GO Station
Background
- Founder & principal consultant, Divonify Inc. (Leadership & inclusion)
- Founder of Democracy in Action, Waterloo Region
- Former post-secondary instructor
- 15+ years in the municipal government (city and regional levels)
