It's Budget Season

Airdrie residents are once again facing a property tax hike. The City’s proposed 2026 budget includes a 6.6% increase, based on a “Growth Plus Inflation” model that automatically raises spending each year. 

City staff say this ensures consistent service delivery - but really, it guarantees government growth with little incentive to find savings or prioritize spending.

(It’s also not a fair reflection of the real cost increases cities face due to population growth or inflation, but that’s a whole different story for another time!)

This budget will be the first major test for Airdrie’s newly elected Mayor and City Council. 

The municipal election just wrapped up, and residents made it clear they wanted a more responsible, transparent, and accountable City Hall. Now, councillors have their first opportunity to show whether they’ve heard that message.

Relying on automatic spending increases and draining the City’s reserves to balance the books might make things look fine for now, but it’s not a sustainable plan.

Airdrie’s Tax Stabilization Reserve is projected to drop sharply in the coming years - leaving little financial room to respond to emergencies, economic downturns, or unexpected challenges.

At the same time, spending continues to grow in areas beyond the City’s core responsibilities like roads, policing, and fire protection.

That means higher taxes today and fewer options tomorrow.

Council will debate the 2026 operating and capital budgets on November 24th, 26th, and 28th.

If you think Airdrie should focus on core priorities and live within its means, now’s the time to speak up. 

Contact your Councillors and tell them what you’d like to see cut or changed before the budget is approved.

This is the first chance for the new Council to prove they’re serious about fiscal responsibility - and the best chance for residents to make their voices heard.

At Common Sense Airdrie, we’ll be watching closely, breaking down the numbers, and holding City Hall accountable. 

But we can’t do it without you. 

If you believe Airdrie deserves a City government that focuses on core priorities and respects taxpayers, please consider making a donation today to help us keep the pressure on.

We’ll share a full breakdown of the 2026 budget soon - for now, your support ensures residents have a voice in how their money is spent.

- The Common Sense Airdrie Team