A policy is an official statement establishing a municipality's position, guidelines, or approach to particular issues. Council policies guide consistent decision-making across situations rather than requiring individual decisions each time similar matters arise. Policies cover diverse topics including procurement practices, financial management, human resources, land use, service delivery, and community engagement. Administrative policies established by staff govern internal operations, while council policies address broader governance matters. Effective policies are clear, implementable, and reviewed periodically for continued relevance. Policy frameworks distinguish between council decisions on what to do and staff decisions on how to implement direction.