Budget 2019: Savings and Re-aligments

I don't think it is often possible for an organisation to do more in some service areas while also cutting taxes. And it certainly shouldn't be expected to happen year-over-year. Eventually you get to a point where you at least need to raise taxes enough to keep up with inflation.

That being said, I think there are significant opportunities before us this year…

In this blog post I’ll talk about the expense side of our balance sheet. I will discuss how the City is working to both find savings and to better target spending.

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Maximum Impact Projects, Art in the Alley

Tomorrow Council will be debating whether or not to fund Art in the Alley with $20,000.

This project was proposed by the Downtown Association. It would see businesses along 100 Ave putting pieces of art on their buildings in the rear lane ways. If their piece got approval from a committee appointed by the Downtown Association, it would be eligible for up to $5000 in matching funds.

I’ve had several conversations about this proposal, both from people who support it and from people who are opposed. These discussions were great. They got me thinking a lot about what types of projects are worth supporting. What is it that gives an initiative high or low possible impact?

Following is more information about my thoughts on Art in the Alley. I use it to discuss what I think makes for a good investment in community enhancement. After you read my thoughts, I’d love to hear yours.

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Current Cannabis Bylaws

On Monday night Council had an eventful meeting… The big business of the night was cannabis. 12 delegations presented their views. It was a diverse group which included potential retailers and producers, citizens supportive to a liberal approach to legalization, citizens asking for a cautious approach, and citizens adamantly opposed to legalization. Then Council got into bylaw debate- all four bylaws before us were passed.

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