ABmunis’ 2026 Convention made headlines
When municipal leaders from across Alberta gathered in Edmonton in late September for ABmunis’ annual Convention and Trade Show to discuss the big issues their communities are facing, they attracted considerable media attention.
Even before delegates arrived, news outlets around Alberta previewed our association’s marquee event and highlighted expected discussions on infrastructure, local decision-making, transportation, economic growth, and other municipal priorities.
The 2026 Alberta Municipal Awards, which were presented September 22 at the Fairmont Hotel Edmonton, started the week on a celebratory note. Media coverage highlighted several award recipients.
The need for increased provincial funding for municipal infrastructure was one of this year’s biggest stories. In a September 23 opinion piece, President Dylan Bressey called for predictable, long-term provincial infrastructure funding to help municipalities support growth, maintain services and keep up with rising costs.
More than 20 reporters covered the event, seeking municipal perspectives on the October 19 provincial referendum, budget priorities, e-scooters, artificial intelligence, public safety and local decision-making.
Coverage of Premier Danielle Smith's address to delegates sparked further discussion about municipal autonomy, transparency, AI data centres, and the relationship between municipalities and the provincial government. Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi spoke about the provincial government's relationship with municipalities and proposed that local governments should be allowed to spend their money as they see fit.
Several resolutions presented by members generated news coverage. One of the most widely covered called for the provincial government to direct 10 per cent of its budget surpluses toward critical municipal infrastructure projects. The proposal brought attention to a challenge many municipalities face every day: communities are growing, infrastructure is aging and local governments need reliable funding to keep pace.
Information sessions on how artificial intelligence can help municipalities improve services and solve local challenges and how municipalities can keep infrastructure running when extreme weather hits were also reported on.
Whether the topic was infrastructure, governance, innovation, public safety or economic growth, this year’s Convention helped bring municipal issues to audiences across Alberta. That visibility matters because it helps ensure local perspectives are heard in provincewide discussions and highlights the important role that municipal governments play in building strong, resilient and thriving communities across Alberta.
