What makes a city thrive? This fall, Calgary is holding a general election, where we will vote for candidates for Mayor and City Council. A lot has changed since the last election in 2021—we overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our population grew by more than 300,000 people, and we welcomed a new Premier and Prime Minister. What hasn’t changed is the importance of our voices in shaping the future of our communities.

Over the past few months, VCC has engaged with Calgarians to gain deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping our city and to leverage these perspectives in advocating to Council and mayoral candidates.

Through open dialogue, surveys, and shared stories, individuals have expressed their concerns, priorities, and vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Calgary. From housing and employment to essential services, common themes of affordability and accessibility have emerged that reveal both the systemic barriers people face and the strength within our communities.

Meaningful change happens when we listen, learn, and take action together. The insights we are collecting will inform our report in Fall 2025, offering a deeper look at what we have heard and how it can shape the future of our city.

In the meantime, check out this summary of what we’re understanding. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed so far and look forward to continuing to get the pulse from community members over the coming months.