ABmunis' 2026 Spring Municipal Leaders Caucus

What are RFDs? 

RFDs allow members to bring forward emerging issues that cannot wait for the annual ABmunis Convention in September. They provide an opportunity for timely discussion and direction from members during Spring MLC. 

A key difference between a resolution and an RFD is flexibility. Alberta Municipalities can adjust the recommended action in an adopted RFD before submitting it to the provincial or federal government. 

RFDs at Spring MLC

As we prepare for Spring MLC on March 26–27 in Edmonton, we are sharing four Requests for Decision (RFDs) submitted by members for consideration. 

RFDs for Consideration 

1. Town of Daysland – Police Funding Model Requisition
2. Town of Sylvan Lake – Removing GST from Municipal Franchise (Local Access) Fees Charged by Regulated Electricity and Natural Gas Utilities
3. City of Lacombe – Reconsideration of the federal decision to close the Lacombe Research and Development Centre (AAFC)
4. Town of Stettler - Ground Ambulance Request for Proposal Consultation

How to Prepare for Spring MLC 

Elected officials from Regular Member municipalities who are registered for MLC are eligible to vote on RFDs. 

During the session: 

• The submitting municipality will have two (2) minutes to introduce its RFD.
• Members who wish to speak will have 45 seconds to share their perspective or ask a question. 

Following discussion, the submitting municipality may choose to revise the proposed action based on member feedback. 

Elected officials from Regular Member municipalities will be invited to vote electronically using a website called Mentimetre, Instructions will be provided onsite. Unlike resolutions during convention, there is no need to pre-register an email.  

We encourage all members to review the proposed RFDs in advance so you can participate fully in the discussion. 

What Happens After Spring MLC 

Approved RFDs are assigned to one of ABmunis’ standing policy committees. These committees review the issue and provide recommendations to the ABmunis Board on next steps. 

Updates on RFD outcomes will be shared through the Alberta Municipalities weekly newsletter. 

Should you still require hotel accommodations, please email registration [at] abmunis.ca (registration[at]abmunis[dot]ca).
 

Council’s Role in Strategic Planning  

Leadership is at the heart of an elected official’s role, with council members responsible for shaping the long-term goals and priorities of their municipality. This interactive course equips elected officials with the tools and knowledge to lead effectively by separating day-to-day operations from big-picture planning.  

Participants will learn the critical role of strategic planning in ensuring the long-term success and resilience of their municipality. They will explore how councils can collaborate to set realistic goals, understand the key elements of a strategic plan, and gain practical skills in the planning process.

Course Cost: $425.00 + GST
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre

Click here for the full course description and details

The following guidelines apply to all facets of Alberta Municipalities’ Events including sponsor hosted events, workshops, plenaries, political meetings and social gatherings where Event Participants are in attendance. By attending an Alberta Municipalities’ Event, an Event Participant agrees to abide by these guidelines. Behaviours that are not acceptable at Alberta Municipalities' Events include:

a) Harassment or intimidation based on personal characteristics such as gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, age or religion.
b) Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited sexualized language or physical contact,
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d) Wearing clothing that may be offensive toward other Event Participants or that displays vulgar language or images.

If an Event Participant experiences or witnesses these behaviours, they are to report it to any Alberta Municipalities Board Member or the CEO. An ABmunis Employee can connect an Event Participant with one of these individuals if the Event Participant does not know who they are.

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Any Event Participant found to have violated this Code of Conduct will be subject to whatever disciplinary measures the Alberta Municipalities Executive Committee, or its designate, deems appropriate. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:
a) Removal from the Event, with or without a refund,
b) Prohibition against further in-person and/or virtual attendance at the Event, and
c) Prohibition against attendance at future Alberta Municipalities’ Events.

This Code of Conduct does not supersede or replace any municipal or organizational Code of Conducts that Event Participants may also be subject to.

Event Participants who wish to report a breach of a municipal or organizational code of conduct must contact a representative of the relevant municipality or organization.