These budget gains are not working out

Administration has recommended an 8.7% tax increase for 2024 citing increasing cost pressures. And no, cutting bike lane funding won't fix that. Plus, we dig into transit oriented development, the nighttime economy, and bike lane infractions on 102 Avenue.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Spring budget adjustments

• April 11, 2024: City releases proposed spring operating budget adjustments
• Feb. 29, 2024: Statement on 2023 Financial Results
• Nov. 28, 2023: City Council confirms fall budget adjustments
• Oct. 26, 2023: City releases fall budget adjustments
• PIA Statement on Taxes and Payments Owed to the City of Edmonton
• Councillor Michael Janz: If the UCP reversed reductions, your property tax could be 7% lower
• April 23 City Council meeting agenda

TOD analysis

• As Ottawa pushes for density near transit, research shows Edmonton has challenges

Bike lane infractions

• Bad driving or poor design? A downtown Edmonton intersection is a case study

Nighttime economy

• City plan looks to build dynamic, thriving nighttime economy in Edmonton
• Executive committee report
• City of Edmonton invests up to $5 million to infuse new activity and vibrancy into the downtown core

Hudson's patio

• Edmonton pub's popular Whyte Ave patio stuck in 'nightmare' bureaucratic limbo

Rapid fire

• 'I have a problem with all of it': Service Alberta minister sets sights on jumbo jugs of vodka
• OSFM parking lot post
• Hundreds watch eclipse at Edmonton observatory

This episode was brought to you by the Edmonton Community Foundation which presents Estate Administration Week from April 15 to 19. With information sessions led by volunteer lawyers, the week will empower you to know what to do when you find yourself named the executor of a loved one's estate. The week culminates with a rousing game of Jeopardy! (Estate Administration Edition), led by estate lawyers Michael Simons and Allison Barkwell on April 19. All of the session are free — even Jeopardy!

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

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Creators & Guests

Host

Mack Male

Co-Founder and CEO of Taproot Publishing Inc.

Host

Stephanie Swensrude

Stephanie is a curator and reporter at Taproot Edmonton. She attended NAIT's radio and television program and has worked at CBC, CFJC in Kamloops, and 630 CHED.

What is Speaking Municipally?

Taproot Edmonton presents a weekly discussion on key stories in municipal politics. We pay attention to City Council so you don't have to! Join us as we delve into conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall.