Understanding Edmonton's Budget Process
Edmonton is planning for the 2027 - 2030 budget discussions scheduled for November and December, While the process can be complex, it is important that Edmontonians know how their budget works, and the ways that they can get involved.
This page will share information on the City's budget process, when decisions will be made, and how you can share your feedback in shaping our City's course over the next four years.
Besides the Operating and Capital Budgets noted below, Council will also consider the Utility Budget that covers Waste Services, Blatchford District Energy and Downtown District Energy
Operating Budget
This budget keeps Edmonton running.. It includes snow clearing, road maintenance, recreational programming and creating good jobs for the people needed to continue to deliver the programs and services Edmontonians expect and deserve.
Capital Budget
This budget maintains our city infrastructure. It includes building new facilities like recreation centres and fire stations, purchasing new and replacement buses, and renewing aging infrastructure through programs like neighbourhood renewal.
Council's Priorities
Earlier this year, City Council came together to identify the four priorities that would direct the work around the budget and create a focus for the rest of the term.
In addition to these four priorities, three foundational principles, Affordability, Fiscal Sustainability and Relationship Driven, were established to guide our decisions.
Quality Services
This priority focuses on delivering the basic, core services like snow removal, waste management and park maintenance. Making our city operations more efficient allows us to keep up with our City's growth and helps to instill that civic pride for the place we call home.
Safety
This priority focuses not only on the safety of our roadways and public spaces, but also overall community safety and violence prevention. One way we keep Edmontonians safe is by continuing to take action on safe, affordable housing options.
Growth Management
This priority focuses on increasing housing and employment opportunities in Edmonton. addressing the infrastructure renewal gap and improving our transportation network.
Economic Development
This priority focuses on supporting industrial and business investment in Edmonton and increasing tourism through event attraction, the arts, culture and sports.
Edmonton's Budget Timeline
Department Presentations
March 2026
In the spring, each city department delivered a presentation to Council. These detailed how each department spends their money, which programs they run, and how their budgets have changed over time.
Find all of the presentations here
Public Engagement
April to June 2026
The City of Edmonton hosted 12 budget engagement events across each of Edmonton's 12 wards last spring. Our office went a step further and hosted 6 additional in-person engagement workshops all around Ward Sspomitapi.
Public Engagement Results Released
September 2026
Ward Sspomitapi Engagement Results
City of Edmonton Engagement Results
Draft Budget Released
November 2, 2026
City staff are working to build the first draft of the budget. This will include ongoing projects and services, as well as those most related to Council's budget priorities.
Budget Public Hearings
November 23, 2026
Once Administration presents their proposed 2027-2030 budgets to City Council, members of the public can begin to have their say on what they want to see out of the City's next budget. The public hearing will continue until all registered speakers are heard.
Request to Speak at the link on this page
Council Budget Discussions
December 3 to 18, 2026
City Council will spend most of December debating changes to the draft budget. This will conclude on December 18th, with voting to accept or reject the Operating, Capital and Utilities Budgets.