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Calgary, AB, September 3, 2026 – The Calgary Chamber is pleased to release Building Calgary’s Future: A Generational Plan for a City of Two Million. Reflecting input from our 2000 members, the submission includes 48 actionable recommendations for City Council ahead of budget discussions in November.
After engaging extensively with members on City Council’s upcoming 2027-2030 Municipal Service Plans and Budgets through surveys, roundtables and meetings, the Chamber recommends the City focus its investments and policy actions in four priority areas: infrastructure, safety, competitiveness and vibrancy.
“As Calgary approaches a population of two million, we need to consider the longevity of Calgary’s core services and infrastructure and create the conditions needed for businesses and communities to thrive,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO of the Calgary Chamber. “Businesses are looking for a return to the basics. Recent challenges, including water restrictions and ongoing uncertainty around transportation infrastructure, have reinforced the need for reliable services, modern infrastructure and enhanced public safety. It is not enough to simply accommodate Calgary’s growing population; we need to build a city that anticipates the needs of future generations.”
A 2026 survey conducted by the Calgary Chamber revealed that 52 per cent of business respondents identify core services as their top priority, with public transit infrastructure and community safety following closely behind at 46 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively.
The recommendations within this submission reflect these priorities for targeted investments and policy changes that will strengthen Calgary’s business environment and create communities that are vibrant, safe and competitive.
“Calgary’s growth presents an opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive city,” adds Yedlin. “As businesses across Calgary continue to navigate economic uncertainty, rising costs and ongoing labour pressures, the City must plan and invest boldly for the next ten, twenty-five and fifty years, making strategic investments and policy reforms that will enable long-term economic success. As the City develops its Municipal Service Plans and Budgets, we will continue to work closely with Council, Administration and the business community to ensure the needs of Calgarians are being met.”
Recommendations
- Diversify municipal revenue streams by working with other orders of government to provide certainty to residential and non-residential property taxpayers that they will not bear the full cost of infrastructure upgrades.
- Plan for growth by investing in infrastructure proactively, ensuring capacity does not continue to lag population growth.
- Improve the business experience by making City processes more predictable, faster and simpler to navigate.
- Build business and investor confidence by creating safe, well-maintained public spaces, increased transparency for City services and reporting processes, and a competitive business environment.
- Partner on delivery by working collaboratively with businesses, other orders of government, non-profit organizations and civic partners to accelerate city building outcomes such as business investment, public safety and infrastructure.
Quick Facts
- In 2026, business respondents identified the following as their top priorities: core services (52%), public transit infrastructure (46%), community safety and wellbeing (40%), downtown revitalization (35%) and housing (32%).
- In 2025, business respondents identified the following as their top priorities: community safety and wellbeing (50%), core services (49%), housing (36%), downtown revitalization (30%) and tax reduction (28%).
- When asked to rank their satisfaction with various City investments & programs, members responded:
- 53 per cent dissatisfied with progress on public safety & social disorder
- 50 per cent dissatisfied with investments to support small businesses
- 40 per cent dissatisfied with investments in public transit
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
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