The City of Red Deer has supported the City of Edmonton in its resolution for a new financial framework that would better serve municipalities.
The framework was presented at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association annual conference.
The resolution directs the AUMA to work with the provincial government to reshape municipal finance for a new time and provide municipalities with reasonable measures and tools, as well as the responsibility that goes with them, to enable cities, towns and villages to sustainably meet their operating and capital budget needs.
“The role of local government has evolved significantly over the last number of decades, with municipalities being essential partners on a range of priorities and issues that historically have not been part of municipal core service,” said Mayor Tara Veer.
“At a local level, municipalities across the province lack long-term, stable, predictable and appropriate funding that fully enables us to grow and build communities that are fiscally resilient in the new normal.”
The fiscal framework resolution points toward the need to relook at the fiscal and economic tools historically used by municipalities at a time when the economic crisis stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent collapse in energy prices is significantly affecting communities and the province.
“This resolution is about a exploring a new fiscal relationship with the province that would establish a sustainable and predictable funding model for municipalities. This is essential as we work locally to support economic growth, infrastructure and essential programs and services in our communities,” said Veer.
The annual AUMA convention focuses on building strategic partnerships between all orders of government to meet municipal needs.
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