‘Business Matters’ shares 50 recommendations to address top concerns from local businesses
Calgary, AB, September 16, 2025 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to release our municipal election platform, ‘Business Matters: A vision for a thriving, inclusive and ambitious Calgary.’ Reflecting input from our 1,500 members, we offer 50 actionable recommendations for the incoming municipal government, comprised of four key pillars: building a competitive, safe, vibrant and connected economy.
“Businesses are at the heart of our city – they employ Calgarians, attract investment, build community and provide the texture that makes Calgary unique. Beyond economic growth, business success hinges on a municipal government committed to economic prosperity and ensuring barriers to growth are minimized,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “A strong business environment matters to the well-being of each and every Calgarian – these are the coffee shops and retail outlets, the builders and not-for-profits, the entrepreneurs risking capital and the big companies investing for the long-term that make Calgary the city it is.”
Calgary’s prosperity today and in the future depends on the strength of its business community. When businesses thrive, so do our neighbourhoods, public services and overall quality of life – because what is good for business is good for Calgary.
“Our message is clear: businesses are integral to Calgary’s current and future success – and are ready to be part of the solution,” adds Yedlin. “We can — and we will — help Calgary tackle its toughest challenges. But we need the next Mayor and Council to make the choices that allow us to do what we do best: build prosperity for this city.”
Key highlights
Calgary’s competitive edge must be maintained
Over the past four years, Calgary’s business community has continued to thrive – despite constant change and new challenges. Our economy is diversifying at pace, powered by an entrepreneurial mindset, record-breaking venture capital investment and the emergence of new sectors. Calgary has become a destination of choice for top talent, reinforcing our reputation as a city of innovation and opportunity.
Calgary’s population growth reflects this momentum. Between 2020 and 2024, Calgary welcomed nearly 220,000 new residents. But rapid growth brings new pressures. To maintain our competitive edge, Calgary’s municipal government must act to meet the demands of a growing population and evolving economy.
Businesses are calling for action on safety and core services
When Chamber members were asked to identify their top priorities for the next municipal government, 50 per cent pointed to community safety and well-being, and 49 per cent highlighted the need for improved core services.
Chamber Recommendations
To ensure businesses can prosper, the Chamber recommends the Mayor and City Council ensure Calgary is:
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- Competitive: Support a competitive business environment, balancing taxation, and striving for efficiency in city service delivery.
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- Safe: Improve public safety – both perceived and real – by collaborating cross-jurisdictionally and making key investments in social services.
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- Vibrant: Build a vibrant city with appropriate and affordable housing options, a thriving arts and culture sector and sport infrastructure that attracts the talent our businesses need.
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- Connected: Invest in connective infrastructure, from effective public transit, pathways and bike lanes to the digital infrastructure to keep Calgarians connected in an increasingly online economy.
Quick Facts
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- Calgary’s population grew by 18 per cent (220,000 people) from 2020 to 2024.
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- Calgary has dropped from 5th to the 18th most liveable city globally due to strains on infrastructure, the cost of housing, public safety and access to health care.
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- While two-thirds of Calgarians believe the city is on the right track for the next decade, only 41 per cent are confident we are ensuring a high quality of life for the future.
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- 66 per cent of businesses indicated cost-related obstacles are the most significant issue impacting their operations, with that number hitting 77 per cent as a small business.
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- 50 per cent of businesses top priority for the next municipal government is community safety and wellbeing, with 76 per cent stating that the City is not doing enough to address public safety.
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- Calgary’s infrastructure funding gap is significant, with the funding required to close this gap estimated at $7.73 billion.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
Media opportunities
For media inquiries, please contact: media@calgary-chamber.papercrane.ca
