Building a Resilient and Sustainable St. Albert
1. Economic Diversity: Fostering Innovation and Opportunity
St. Albert’s strategic location and commitment to economic growth present unique opportunities to diversify our local economy. As a Councillor, I will:
Promote Targeted Industry Growth: Support the city’s focus on sectors like advanced manufacturing, construction, and logistics, leveraging our proximity to major transportation corridors and the Edmonton Intermodal Terminal to attract diverse businesses.
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Enhance Regional Collaboration: Advocate for active participation in the Collaborative Economic Development (CED) initiative, working alongside neighbouring municipalities to attract investment and stimulate non-residential growth across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.
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Leverage Provincial Programs: Utilize funding opportunities like the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program to support initiatives that promote regional economic development and diversification.
2. Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring Sustainable Financial Management
Responsible fiscal management is crucial to maintaining and improving the quality of life in St. Albert. My commitments include:
Optimize Budget Efficiency: Identify and implement efficiencies within the municipal budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively, aligning with the Council’s ongoing efforts to find cost-saving measures.
Transparent Financial Planning: Advocate for clear and accessible financial reporting, enabling residents to understand how funds are allocated and spent, fostering trust and accountability.
Strategic Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize investments in infrastructure that support community growth and service delivery, ensuring long-term value and sustainability.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Protecting Our Natural Heritage
St. Albert has demonstrated leadership in environmental stewardship. To build upon this foundation, I propose to:
Implement the Green Environment Strategy: Support the execution of the city’s Green Environment Strategy, aiming to conserve and enhance natural features for the well-being of our community and planet.
Advance Climate Resilience Initiatives: Promote policies that address climate change resilience and mitigation, including waste reduction and regional collaboration, as outlined in the Environmental Sustainability Policy.
Preserve Natural Assets: Advocate for programs like the Conservation Reserve Program to secure and protect natural areas amid urban development pressures.