Post Budget Update
I am writing to share an update regarding the Fall 2025 Supplemental Budget Adjustment, which was deliberated and approved by City Council this past week.
This Adjustment included the determination of the property tax increase for 2026. Following extensive deliberation, I voted against the proposed budget and the associated tax increase of 6.9%. Please see my comments below, which explains my decision.
My ultimate goal during this budget process was to reduce the proposed tax increase. I was elected to represent my constituents at this Council table. During the election, a constant concern I heard from residents was the rising cost of living, and the negative impact of constant increases in property taxes. One story that stands out is a 72-year-old having to leave her retirement and return to work because of the City’s continuing tax increases. Stories such as this one really impact me and remind me why I am elected. I am elected to advocate on behalf of my constituents and will continue to keep that in mind during my time here.
Many of my constituents have clearly expressed that they cannot afford another tax increase, and I feel this budget does not adequately reflect their concerns. While I appreciate the work that has gone into the various aspects of this budget that I do support, I have not seen enough of a reduction to justify a vote in favour. While I understand the concerns my colleagues may have with my vote, I did make a promise to my constituents that their needs would always come first.
I expressed my concerns regarding the short period between being elected and having to vote on the City budget. The time constraints imposed by orientation, training, and meetings with stakeholders have prevented me from undertaking a much more rigorous analysis of the City’s budget. That will change in advance of the 2026 4-year budget discussion. I have been relying heavily on the insights of my more experienced colleagues and the Administration, who bring decades of expertise to this process, and while I again acknowledge the work of all involved, I am disappointed that more was not offered in the way of reductions and reallocations by those more experienced persons.
Looking ahead to the four-year budget, I will work hard to find solutions to bring property tax increases down as much as possible as this is what I was elected to do. I look forward to the work ahead with my colleagues and Administration to better address these increases in the four-year budget.
With all that being said, I understand that many of you have questions regarding the tax increases. I invite you and your neighbours to attend my Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 14th. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and connect with the community. Please see below for more information on this event!
Thank you again for the opportunity to represent you at City Hall. I look forward to continuing to advocate for you and the Southwest.
YOU'RE INVITED TO MY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
With the Holidays quickly approaching, I would like to invite you to an open house where you can meet me, have some tasty treats, and take part in some holiday cheer.
📅 Date: Sunday, December 14
🕖 Time: 3:00 - 5:00pm
📍 Location: Brookside Community Hall, 5320-143 Street, Edmonton, AB
No RSVP required, please feel free to bring your families and neighbours and I look forward to meeting you!
