Edmonton’s future is built on our strengths: construction, engineering, innovation, academics, and defence. We already lead the country in these sectors, but too often they operate in silos. That means we aren’t realizing their full potential.

Imagine a downtown that is vibrant and walkable—a true hub where education, industry, and culture come together. A place where universities partner with businesses, where students live and learn alongside entrepreneurs, and where innovation flows into job creation. A place where Edmonton’s defence sector is fully activated — attracting federal contracts in aerospace, logistics, cyber security, and advanced technology.

This is the future Edmonton can build.

But we need to get our house in order first. That’s why I’m committed to resetting the budget every year with zero-based budgeting. We’ll launch a Blue Ribbon Review to identify waste and duplication. We’ll lower business taxes to make Edmonton competitive, and we’ll rethink underused civic assets to make sure we’re investing in what works.

My Build Now plan will restore confidence in our downtown and across the city by encouraging investment, repurposing empty spaces, and creating new opportunities for housing and culture. Combined with a commitment to safety and better infrastructure planning, this will set the stage for real growth.

Edmonton doesn’t need to copy Calgary, Toronto, or Austin. Our difference is our advantage. By aligning our strengths — including our role as Canada’s defence hub — we can create a thriving ecosystem that attracts talent, investment, and jobs, and build a future that is uniquely ours.