A healthy city is a happy city. How we care, or fail to care, for the most vulnerable among us directly impacts the healthcare available for the rest of us.
This week, one of the big agenda items is a conversation with Dr. Chris Sikora, the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Edmonton. He's joining our Community Public Services Committee on Tuesday morning at 0930AM. I invite you to attend, speak, watch online, or submit questions you would like me to ask. REGISTER: https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=f0e0c375-a3fd-4f3c-a92f-1d63fc85517d&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
Some of the general topics I would like covered are:
Please let me know if you have other suggestions.
We're starting out this week's City Hall E-News with a new segment, "Question of the week" - Just hit reply and tell me your thoughts...
Jan 23rd: Question of the Week: Recently the City of Edmonton enacted a parking ban to assist with the neighbourhood snow removal.
Did you sign up for text/email notifications in advance from the City of Edmonton, and if not, why? I'm curious!
How could this communication be better integrated? Hit reply, and let me know your thoughts!
NEWS: SAFER STREETS: We're receiving new Safe Crossings in Ward papastew!
VIDEOS: CLEANER, GREENER COMMUNITIES—AND LESS TRAFFIC!
FOUR CITY OF EDMONTON SURVEYS: Changing neighbourhoods to meet changing needs:
RSVP for upcoming events
If you would like more targeted updates or join me in advocating on an issue, please sign up at www.michaeljanz.ca/takeaction
If you would like more targeted updates or join me in advocating on an issue, please sign up at www.michaeljanz.ca/takeaction
There's a lot of positive energy in Edmonton at the moment.
Over the Council recess, I jotted down seven Edmonton projects that I'm excited for in 2023. Some big, some small. Some Public, some private. Some breaking ground, some cutting ribbons.
As a disclaimer, this is very much a personal list of projects that from neighbourhood conversations that I feel have been overlooked or underrated. I didn't have a particular matrix or scorecard, but decided to profile these projects because I think they represent incremental improvements. Each in their own way will have a positive impact on our community, economic, climate, culture, or urban planning goals as we continue to build an Edmonton for everyone!
As I listen to friends in Toronto, Vancouver, or other cities bemoan the high cost of living, housing, and the long commute times, I can't help but smile at the incredible quality of life we are able to provide. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be in 2023!
I invite you to share your own projects that get you excited!
Next week, Edmonton City Council will be asked to approve a $26.5 Million Dollar sole source agreement for the Qualico Pedway. (https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/ledcor-26-5m-non-competitive-pedway-edmonton-contract).
One of my campaign commitments was strengthening the public interest, and I’ve petitioned about our need to create a lobbyist registry for municipal politics here: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/lobbyist_registry. I am working on a subsequent motion to this effect.
One of my favourite quotes attributed to Benjamin Franklin is “Sunshine is the greatest disinfectant.” My second favourite is by Lester Freeman in HBO's The Wire where he instructs the young police to “Follow the Money…”
Prior to the sole-source contract debate next week, I want to raise a few general questions I’ve been receiving from constituents about transparency at city hall: campaign donations and lobbyist transparency.
Supporting our local craft beer scene is easy with so many fantastic opportunities and creative brewers. I recently had the opportunity to convene a table of local brewers alongside the Alberta Small Brewers Association to explore a few questions:
The more money we can keep circulating between friends and neighbours in our local economy, the more prosperous our city. Local brewers add to our local identity, they add creativity, and can be an attraction for other entrepreneurs to set up nearby.
Thank you again to:
Administration has put forward a new 4 year capital budget which includes everything from roads to bridges to recreation.
Do you have questions you would like me to ask? Click here to read the full budget.
Councillors have until November 7th to submit written questions to the administration to receive a written response. (Prefer Video? Here's a video and powerpoint of the Budget Presentation we received October 31, 2022 (Council Agenda, item 7.1 Proposed 2023-2026 Capital Budget
(Photo taken at a recent Economic Forecast event hosted by UDI)