Saying the quiet part out loud: Budget 2026 and property taxes

By Dylan Bressey, President, Alberta Municipalities 

When the Government of Alberta introduced Budget 2026 on February 26, Alberta Municipalities moved quickly to ensure municipal voices were heard. Our communications around this budget were clear and honest as we stood up for our 264 member communities and their residents. 

Budget 2026 confirmed what municipalities have warned about for years: while the provincial government says it is not raising taxes, Albertans will pay more through property taxes. Provincial decisions – particularly increases to provincially set property taxes that municipalities are required to collect – are putting additional pressure on property taxpayers and leaving municipalities with fewer revenue & budgeting options. 

That’s why ABmunis said the quiet part out loud. We issued a clear initial response, followed by a detailed written report and a member webinar outlining what Budget 2026 means for municipalities. We also briefed journalists on our analysis, answered their questions, and ensured they were accurately informed. The message we delivered was consistent throughout: municipalities are being forced to choose between raising property taxes or falling further behind on infrastructure and essential services. 

Media coverage across Alberta reflected this reality. Communities are already stretching every dollar, yet this year’s provincial budget offers no meaningful increase in funding for municipal infrastructure and no new investment in Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). These aren’t trivial concerns; they affect roads, water systems, emergency services, and the programs that help keep people out of crisis. 

One positive development that arose from Budget 2026 was a promise made by the provincial government to seriously examine Alberta's fiscal framework. As Alberta's finances are examined, the ways in which local services and infrastructure are funded need to be discussed. We’ll be advocating strongly for infrastructure deficits to be considered alongside fiscal deficits, and for the role of property taxes in funding Alberta's expenses to also be considered. 

This is exactly why our Property Taxes Reimagined (PTR) campaign matters. It’s a long-term, research-based information initiative designed to help Albertans understand where their taxes go, why property taxes keep rising, and why we Albertans need to have a conversation about the current system. Alberta needs a fair funding framework for strong communities. Budget 2026 has put these issues into sharp focus. 

We keep reinforcing a simple truth: Budget 2026 increases pressure on property taxpayers while leaving longstanding structural problems unresolved. To ensure this message hits home, we’re linking it to PTR resources, providing municipalities with practical tools to communicate locally, and ensuring residents understand which level of government makes which decisions. 

Looking ahead, ABmunis is eager to begin meaningful discussions with the provincial government about Alberta’s current fiscal framework and the growing mismatch between responsibilities and revenues at the local level. We also intend to continue working closely with our members and other key stakeholders to identify practical, long-term solutions to fund the infrastructure, programs, and services that Albertans need and deserve. This is not about short-term fixes; it’s about building a system that supports strong, sustainable communities across Alberta. 

In the meantime, we’ll continue advocating for a frank conversation about Alberta’s fiscal framework, and for sustainable, fair funding for the communities where most Albertans live, work, and raise their families.