Calgarians Invited to Review 2026 Proposed City Budget

Calgary’s municipal government is inviting residents to actively participate in shaping the city’s financial future as it presents the proposed 2026 budget. The comprehensive plan, outlining key spending priorities for local services, infrastructure, and development, was presented to Council on November 10, 2025.

This proactive engagement aims to foster transparency and ensure community involvement in fiscal planning, a renewed focus for the city following past public feedback that highlighted a desire for greater influence on council decisions. Calgarians can access the full budget proposal online and are encouraged to provide their input, with opportunities to register and speak to Council during deliberations scheduled from November 24-28, 2025.

The proposed 2026 budget, which includes a previously approved 3.6 percent overall tax increase for 2026, focuses on areas Calgarians have identified as priorities: housing, public safety, transit, and infrastructure. Specifically, $86.6 million is earmarked for housing, $66 million for public safety, $59 million for transit, and $87.7 million for infrastructure investments.

With Calgary experiencing significant population growth, putting increased strain on existing systems, the emphasis on infrastructure is particularly timely. Recent discussions, amplified by events like the major water main failure in the summer of 2024, underscore the critical need for sustained investment in the city's foundational assets. This budget reflects the city's commitment to responsive and inclusive decision-making, offering a vital opportunity for residents to directly influence how their community grows and thrives.