Calgary is preparing to welcome an unprecedented gathering of municipal leaders as it hosts the largest Alberta Municipalities convention in the organization's history. More than 1,200 municipal politicians and officials from across the province will converge at the Telus Convention Centre from November 12 to 14 for three days of intensive policy discussions, networking, and decision-making.
Record-Breaking Gathering for Newly Elected Officials
This year's convention holds particular significance as it follows closely on the heels of October's provincewide municipal elections, which brought a wave of new mayors and councillors into office. Dana Mackie, Chief Executive of Alberta Municipalities (AB Munis), emphasized the event's role in helping these new leaders build essential connections.
"What we attempt to do is create space and opportunity for municipal leaders to meet one another, compare their experiences, share their perspectives, and develop connections for their term that will help navigate the many challenges that we expect they'll face on council," Mackie stated.
The organization represents 264 member municipalities, and this year's attendance marks the highest in the convention's history. Beyond the record numbers, the event features an expanded trade show with 120 vendors and includes AB Munis board elections alongside numerous workshops and networking sessions.
High-Profile Speakers and Critical Policy Votes
The convention agenda features prominent political figures, including keynote addresses from Premier Danielle Smith, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, and Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams. Mackie highlighted the importance of the extended session with Minister Williams, noting his responsibility for "important funding and legislative issues affecting our members."
Delegates will also vote on approximately 15 policy resolutions submitted by member municipalities throughout the past year. Among the most significant measures under consideration is a resolution requesting that the provincial government assume responsibility for collecting the education tax requisition. This change would relieve municipalities of the current requirement to collect property taxes on the province's behalf.
Building Partnerships for Provincial Challenges
Mackie described the convention as AB Munis' marquee annual event, designed to facilitate collaboration among municipal leaders facing common challenges. "We get the opportunity, not only as an organization but our members, to talk about pressing issues that are on our mind and to get to places where we can work together in partnership and solve the issues of the day," he explained.
The gathering comes at a crucial time for municipal governance in Alberta, with new councils beginning their terms and numerous pressing policy issues requiring coordinated responses across jurisdictional lines. The convention outcomes, particularly the voted resolutions, are expected to shape the organization's advocacy priorities and intergovernmental discussions in the coming year.
