Calgary-Region Municipalities Unite to Boost Jobs and Investment

In a bold move to combat economic uncertainty, eight municipalities in the Calgary region have formed a new alliance aimed at attracting investment and creating jobs. This initiative, known as Invest Greater Calgary, is hosted by Calgary Economic Development (CED) and includes the City of Airdrie, City of Calgary, City of Chestermere, Town of Cochrane, Foothills County, Town of High River, Town of Okotoks, and Rocky View County.

Key Focus Areas of the Initiative

The three-year pilot program will concentrate on several critical areas:

• Regional research and analysis to gather valuable data
• Regional marketing and promotion to enhance visibility
• Investor support to facilitate business growth
• Program development to create sustainable economic strategies

Bonnie Nunnari, CED's interim lead on the project, emphasized the power of collaboration, stating that this partnership demonstrates how municipalities can work together to compete globally while acting locally. By sharing data and presenting a unified vision, the initiative aims to signal to investors that the Calgary region is ready for bold ideas, major projects, and long-term investment.

Benefits of the Collaboration

This increased collaboration strengthens economic development efforts, allowing each municipality to maintain its unique priorities while benefiting from shared resources. Participants gain access to:

• Shared data insights
• Enhanced regional marketing capabilities
• Broader investor reach

Chris MacIsaac, Okotoks' community identity manager, highlighted that this initiative provides tools and expertise that individual towns wouldn't have access to alone, supporting long-term prosperity.

Funding and Leadership

Municipalities involved are committed to a shared annual contribution based on population and assessment value. Additional funding has been secured through provincial and federal grants. A permanent leader for the initiative is set to be announced later this year.

This strategic move comes at a time of global economic uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, and intense competition for business investment, positioning the Calgary region for a stronger economic future.