The Wants, The Needs, The Ask
Welcome to Municipal Affairs,
Today, we’re tackling a topic that impacts every single Albertan—municipal funding and the upcoming provincial budget.
With budget 2025 set to be released on February 27, the Government of Alberta has made it clear that tough financial decisions lie ahead. But for municipalities across the province, the belt has already been tightened to the breaking point. Growing populations, aging infrastructure, and increased demand for social services mean local governments are being forced to choose between raising taxes or cutting essential projects.
From roads and water systems to recreation centres and fire services, Alberta’s municipalities are struggling to keep up. One major concern? The province’s Local Government Fiscal Framework—one of the primary funding sources for municipal infrastructure—is simply not keeping pace with rising needs. And then there’s the issue of Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT), where the province has only been paying about half of what it owes municipalities since 2019, forcing local governments to cover the shortfall.
And let’s not forget about social programs. Municipalities rely on provincial funding for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), which provide critical resources to vulnerable Albertans. Without proper funding, more people could find themselves unhoused, unemployed, and struggling.
So, what’s at stake in this year’s budget? And what do Alberta’s municipalities need to see from the province to keep communities running smoothly?
To help us unpack all of this, we’re joined by a key voice in the conversation—Tyler Gandam, President of Alberta Municipalities. He’s here to break down the concerns of local governments, the funding shortfalls they’re facing, and what he hopes to see in Budget 2025.
Stick with us—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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