Managing City finances

Managing City finances

Keeping the cost of municipal government low

Calgary consistently earns its place as one of the world's most livable cities, and we take pride in our commitment to providing essential services to Calgarians while keeping the cost of municipal government low.

Over the past decade, Calgary has experienced remarkable growth, becoming Canada's fastest-growing city with a nearly 25% increase in its population. This rapid expansion, coupled with the highest inflation rates seen since 1982, has introduced significant challenges in our efforts to meet the increasing demands for City services.

Total City Operating Expenditures have been diligently managed in line or below the combined rates of population growth and inflation for the past decade. Taxpayer groups and businesses have long advocated that all governments keep their spending following these measures. The City has consistently done so since 2014, despite being the fastest-growing city in Canada over the past decade.

As seen in the chart below, even with significant investments made in November 2023 (pink line) and the investments proposed for 2025 by The City on September 17, 2024 (blue line) Calgary remains below the combined rates of population and inflation growth. 

Click to expand image.

Future budgeted amounts are projected to remain $1 billion dollars below population growth and inflation projections into 2026. With population and inflation outpacing Calgary’s economic forecasts, it becomes increasingly difficult to deliver City Services at the same service levels today.  

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Our finances

Working hard to ensure Calgarians receive outstanding value for their property tax dollars. Learn how it all comes together.

Calgary comparison

How our property tax and utility charges measure up nationally.

City employees

Managing our head count despite Calgary’s growing population.

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