Productive and meaningful discussion with considered optimism was the theme of the fall Alberta Mid-sized Cities Mayors’ and Chief Administration Officers’ (CAOs’) caucus meeting.
Gathering in Lethbridge on September 12 and 13, the Mayors and CAOs of 22 Alberta municipalities discussed a variety of key issues ranging from the mortgage stress test to a provincial drug strategy. A portion of the meeting focused on the MacKinnon Report with the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Kaycee Madu, outlining potential impact of the recommendations for municipalities.
On September 13, the Caucus heard from Premier Jason Kenney, who spoke frankly to the caucus about how he will continue to partner with municipalities for economic growth, jobs, diversification, innovation and opportunities to grow revenue.
“We’re feeling confident following discussions with the Premier and Minister, that the provincial government is committed to a productive working relationship with our cities,” said Chestermere Mayor, Marshall Chalmers. “While the MacKinnon Report shows that fiscal responsibility is in the works for Alberta, we feel satisfied that those restraints will be done in partnership with our cities.”
Creating opportunity for business and trade along with a predictable and stable revenue stream for the mid-sized cities was also a focus for the Mayors and CAOs.
“Together, our 22 cities and communities represent roughly one million Albertans,” said Mayor Chalmers. “We look forward to advancing the needs of those one million Albertans and advocating for the growth and prosperity of our communities.”
The Alberta Mid-Sized Cities Mayors’ and CAOs’ Caucus is comprised of 22 cities and towns from across the province. Together the caucus creates solutions to respond to matters of common interest and advocates for the needs of Alberta’s mid-sized municipalities.
