ICYMI: Albertans encouraged to run for municipal council

The following opinion piece from Alberta Municipalities' Board of Directors calls on community leaders to consider running for council in Alberta’s October 20 municipal elections and highlights our Running for Municipal Office initiative. The piece ran in more than a dozen regional newspapers last month, including The Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune and The Red Deer Advocate. 

In every corner of Alberta, from the smallest summer village to the largest city, local governments shape the daily lives of residents in ways that are immediate, visible, and long-lasting. Yet, as we approach the October 2025 municipal elections, one question looms large: Who will step up to lead?  

The answer is simple: our current batch of community leaders.  

Whether they’re coaches, volunteers, small business owners, or advocates for change, these people already embody the spirit of public service. They have a deep knowledge of those who live in their communities, and they’ve earned trust. They’ve also demonstrated the kind of commitment that municipal governance demands. Now’s the time for them to take the next step and make the move from community builder to elected representative.  

Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) are encouraging just that through their “Running for Municipal Office” initiative. The initiative offers webinars, videos, and practical guides that demystify the process and highlight the rewards of serving on council.  

These resources don’t sugarcoat the challenges. They talk about the time commitment, responsibilities, and the impact on family life that come with being an elected official. They also showcase the profound satisfaction that comes from making a difference. As one councillor put it, “The best part about serving on council is seeing the tangible change you helped create in your community.” 

 The webinars are tailored to different types and sizes of municipalities and feature candid stories from current councillors who’ve made the leap from concerned citizen to elected official. They speak of teamwork, resilience, and the importance of listening. They also share what they wish they’d known before running, offering invaluable insights to prospective candidates.  

One thing’s certain: municipal councils need these voices. They need people who have an accurate “read” on the pulse of their communities, who’ve earned respect through their actions, and who are ready to bring that same energy to the council chamber. Leadership starts at the local level, and the future is shaped by those who step up.  

So, to every community leader reading this: please consider running. Attend a webinar. Watch the videos. Read the guides. Talk to your neighbours. Ask yourself not just what your community needs, but whether you might be the one to help deliver it. Because when community leaders run for municipal office, everyone wins.