Hi Neighbours,
A quick update on budget deliberations. Council was scheduled to review the 2026 budget over 2.5 days from Nov 24-28, but we are extending our review period. For the final stage of deliberations, I believe it’s essential that all seven Council members are at the table.
To ensure that, I have called a Special Meeting for 9:00 AM on December 9 so we can finish the work together.
If the 2026 budget is not passed in a timely way, Council will need to approve an interim budget, which is a normal step when timelines adjust.
Taking a bit more time is not a sign of anything other than diligence…With more than half of Council being newly elected, this is our first major budget together, and we are being thorough. We are reviewing multiple directorates, subsidiaries, and a long-term capital outlook of nearly $1 billion over the next decade. The proposed budget sits at over $500 million to maintain service levels and support a city that continues to grow quickly. It is one of the most complex budgets Airdrie has faced!
I’m proud of how hard Council is working and I will not rush this process. Our community deserves a budget that is thoughtful, responsible, and grounded in the realities ahead of us.
Thanks everyone for your patience while we continue this process, we look forward to approving a budget that helps Airdrie get what it needs while respecting the challenges facing individuals and families every day.
Mayor, Heather Spearman
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