Affordability likely to be a key in upcoming city election

Between rising grocery, utility, and insurance prices, Edmontonians are struggling to stay afloat. Unless local politicians can provide a lifeboat, they may find themselves sinking this election season. 

Many typical hot-button voter issues such as education funding and health care are beyond municipal jurisdiction. However, city hall has the power to help ease some of the financial burden on Edmontonians. Tax increases are a big part of that and have been on the rise in recent years. With an approved 6.1 per cent municipal tax hike in the new year, potential policymakers will need to assess how rising taxes fit into their leadership plans.

Candidates running in the 2025 election may also benefit from promoting a fiscal approach that ensures city funds are directed towards critical public services. Keeping the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) affordable is important to many citizens who rely on public transportation. As is making certain that initiatives like the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy stay on track. Housing is at the top of mind for many voters as the price of rentals and homes have been rising. The city even declared a housing and homelessness emergency in January 2024.

However, getting city residents out to vote may be half the battle. While Edmonton experienced a record 37.6 per cent voter turnout in 2021, voter apathy may be on the rise. The last provincial election saw over a seven per cent decrease in voter turnout from 2019 to 2023. This means that candidates will have to speak to topics important enough to motivate Edmontonians to head to the polls. With 55 per cent of Edmontonians reporting cost-of-living as a top issue, affordability may be key to evoking that urgency. 

Some candidates are getting an early start. Tim Cartmell, two-term city councillor, has announced intentions to run for mayor. Cartmell’s platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, with a “tough on taxes” catchphrase. In addition, two right-leaning groups in Edmonton are merging under the Principle Accounting Coalition for Edmonton (PACE) title to form a political party. While this group hasn’t released a platform, many are expecting a typically conservative focus on small government and fiscal prudence.

While Cartmell and PACE may try to keep tax increases lower, they’ll need to ensure any future budget reductions don’t impact essential services. The services that the cities most vulnerable populations require are especially important. Thus, if candidates genuinely want Edmonton to be an affordable place to live, cutting taxes can’t be the only thing on their minds. 

Regardless, anyone who decides to run for municipal office will need to commit to providing Edmontonians’ some financial relief. Between just getting voters to the polls and offering real solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, candidates have their work cut out for them.