Council leader Lindsay Whittle has called for a better relationship with Welsh Assembly ministers.
The Plaid Cymru councillor wants the Assembly to hold a joint cabinet meeting with council leaders in Caerphilly.
Cllr Whittle said: “If we are to succeed in this current economic climate we must develop better working relationships with ministers in the Assembly.
“I would like to see a real change and would welcome a collaborative approach to working closely with ministers. I am minded to suggest we hold a joint cabinet meeting here in Caerphilly County Borough Council and work as a real force for change.
“I want to develop alongside this, a ‘Team Caerphilly’ feel which will influence our future plans as a vibrant and effective economy in this part of Wales.
“We have extremely good forums of local people representing various sectors of the community – Youth, Business, Voluntary and 50+ Forums have all been acclaimed as leading examples of good practice. They should have a place at the table also to help shape our future.
“Some of my political colleagues are having a real difficulty in recognising the impact of this credit crunch on council spending and unless we are more innovative and harness the energies of our local people we will not succeed in meeting the significant challenges facing our community.”