It's Budget Season

It’s budget season in Edmonton, and while the 2026 budget hasn’t been released yet, Council will begin deliberations on December 1st.

This will be the first major test for Mayor Andrew Knack and the new Council, which includes many returning Councillors, with only three new faces among the 13 members.

Mayor Knack has said he wants all Edmontonians to have a say in the budget process, not just business leaders.

He says he plans to engage community leaders, faith groups, and residents to co-create the budget from the start - ensuring decisions reflect what people actually want to see in city services and priorities.

We think that's a stronger focus on fiscal responsibility, downtown safety, and housing.

In particular, the City needs to clearly define their priorities and align investments with outcomes that people actually want.

Council will need to make choices about how to manage growth, about service levels, and about costs to taxpayers.

While we don’t yet know the proposed tax increases or exact spending plans, this is the moment to pay attention and make your voice heard.

Contact your Councillor and tell them what you’d like to see cut or changed before the budget is approved.

Decisions made during deliberations this month will set the tone for the City’s finances and priorities for the next four years.

At Common Sense Edmonton, we’ll be monitoring the budget closely, breaking down the numbers when they arrive, and holding City Hall accountable.

Your support ensures we can keep pressure on Council and advocate for fiscal responsibility from day one.

We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the 2026 budget once it’s released - for now, your support helps ensure Edmonton residents have a voice in how their city is run.

Thank you!

- The Common Sense Edmonton Team