We welcomed Mayor Cindy Jefferies to give the annual “State of the City” update.  The focus for the first 196 days in office for the mayor and the council has been to connect with the community and listen to concerns, ideas, and share what is happening with regard to issues. 

Goals for this council include being financially disciplined, encourage economic growth and city pride, ensure that communities are supported and safe, and encourage housing options that provide choice and stability for all.  

Mayor Jefferies discussed the need to change the narrative around why people are homeless. Addiction, affordability are only 2 of the many factors that may determine who is able to be housed.  The rezoning of a location for the proposed Nexus Centre and the naming of a shelter provider, Hope Mission,  are positive steps. Council toured the wrap around facilities of Hope Mission in Edmonton and saw an example of how the delivery of services could change. It is hoped that late fall will see Hope Mission operational in the new location.   It was sobering to hear that there are less than half of the 640 individuals identified as being unhoused in the recent point in time survey can be accommodated with spaces in shelters and other housing options at this time. Concerns were expressed by members regarding the feeling of being unsafe downtown, especially around the library.  Mayor Jefferies recognized this as a large challenge as the closing of agencies such as Turning Points has resulted in less places for those clients to congregate during the day. 

Red Deer D.R.I.V.E (Developing Regional Innovation, Ventures & Entrepreneurship) is an exciting non-profit economic development association that operates at arms length from the city.  It has the potential to attract investment, support local business growth, and strengthen the region's prosperity over the long-term. 

We learned that council plans to take a sustainable predictable approach to taxes with the goal of avoiding large increases in double digits.  Government grants are currently ½ of what was available in 2019 and inflation has had a major influence on spending and the decrease in reserves.  It was encouraging to know that revenues are greater than expenses for the 1st time since 2015.

Mayor Jefferies shared information regarding the Community Compass, a framework that will be used to help guide decisions with the view of aligning future decision making with community values.  It is the masterplan for service delivery.  The city is examining its role in service delivery and determining whether some aspects might better be met by other agencies.  

A recent visit to Ottawa and Montreal by the mayor was an opportunity to advocate for the city's position regarding the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund and the impact upon housing density.  Progress has been made in advocating the challenges and diverse needs of mid size cities.     

 We thank the Mayor for sharing information about the challenges and successes that are occurring in our community.