Running for Municipal Office

Becoming a municipal elected official is a significant responsibility, one that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of local communities. These officials have the opportunity to make decisions that impact everything from infrastructure and budgeting to economic development and the delivery of essential municipal services. As the voices of their community, councillors ensure that the concerns and needs of their municipality are heard and addressed. Their decisions can directly enhance the quality of life for residents, whether through improving public services, fostering economic growth, or creating a more inclusive and equitable community.

This online resource, created through a cooperative effort between ABmunis and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), offers valuable insights for those considering a run for municipal office. It covers key topics such as: 

• what it means to be an elected official,
• how to navigate the process of running for office,
• and where to find the essential resources and information to help guide candidates through their campaigns.

Webinars

ABmunis and RMA are hosting a series of webinars throughout 2025 for potential candidates interested in municipal service. These sessions will provide valuable insights into the responsibilities, daily operations, and community impact of serving in local government.

Register for a webinar tailored to your interests:

• Villages & Summer Villages

  • Apr 23, May 6
     

• Rural Municipal Districts & Counties

  • Apr 25, May 7, Jun 5, Jun 17, Jul 18, Aug 13
     

• Small to Midsize Municipalities

  • Apr 29, May 5, Jun 3, Jul 16, Aug 14, Sep 9, Sep 16
     

• Midsize to Large Municipalities

  • Apr 30, May 8, Jun 4, Jun 19, Jul 15
     

While each webinar is designed to address the unique aspects of different municipality types, all attendees are welcome to join any session.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward making a difference in your community!

How do I run for municipal office? 

Running for municipal office may seem intimidating, but ABmunis and RMA have jointly created a series of FAQ documents to answer some common questions for candidates. ABmunis encourages municipalities to utilize and make these documents available to potential candidates and voters.  

• A Practical Guide for Running for Local Office
• What We Heard Report- Municipal Survey Results

Municipal Affairs also has several resources to help potential candidates understand the election process. The 2025 Candidates Guide will provide a detailed overview of what to consider prior to seeking nomination as a candidate, the nomination process, campaign financing, and how to campaign.  Municipal Affairs also offers other resources which candidates may find useful.

• What Every Councillor Needs to Know
• Municipal Affairs Candidate Information Videos

For additional general information on municipal elections and election processes, we encourage you to review the extensive suite of resources developed to support municipalities and Returning Officers in conducting their respective municipal elections once available. 

For specific questions related to your municipality’s nomination, campaigning, and election process, visit your municipality’s website. If you are unable to find this information for your municipality, use the main municipality contact number or email for any inquiries. 

Nervous about the social media aspect of running for council or being an elected official? ABmunis has a solution for that! In partnership with Parodos Social Marketing, ABmunis has developed a social media toolkit for members and potential candidates.

This resource provides strategies for creating a safe and professional social media presence, an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of various platforms, and best practices for engaging with residents online.

• Social Media Toolkit for Elected Officials

Making a difference in your Community

As the voices of their community, councillors have a lot of different responsibilities. That is why we asked Alberta Municipalities members, Board members, and RMA Board members questions about their life on council. 

In the following videos, Alberta Municipalities and RMA Board members answer questions about life on council.  

• What is one thing potential candidates for council should know?
• What do you wish more Albertans knew about municipal elected officials?
• What is the best part of serving on council?
• On average, how much time do you spend on council related business?
• What does a normal council meeting day look like?
• What other council responsibilities do you have?
• How has becoming an elected official impacted your family?
• Describe the importance of working as a team on council

In the following videos, Alberta Municipalities members answer questions about life on council.  

• What is one thing potential candidates for council should know?
• What do you wish more Albertans knew about municipal elected officials?
• What is the best part of serving on council?
• On average, how much time do you spend on council related business?
• What does a normal council meeting day look like?
• What other council responsibilities do you have?
• How has becoming an elected official impacted your family?
• Describe the importance of working as a team on council