As Calgary approaches its 2025 municipal election, a comprehensive new report has identified housing affordability, education quality, and job creation as the three most pressing concerns among city residents. The findings, released yesterday by the Calgary Urban Initiatives Foundation, provide a critical roadmap for candidates seeking to connect with voter priorities in what promises to be a highly contested race.
“What we’re seeing is a fundamental shift in how Calgarians view their municipal government’s responsibilities,” explains Dr. Maryam Ahmed, lead researcher for the foundation’s electoral priorities study. “Citizens increasingly expect city leadership to address issues that traditionally fell under provincial jurisdiction, particularly when it comes to housing and economic development.”
The housing crisis dominates voter concerns, with 68% of surveyed residents identifying affordable housing as their top priority. This represents a 15% increase from similar polling conducted before the previous municipal election, reflecting Calgary’s rapidly changing real estate landscape where average home prices have climbed 23% in the past four years despite economic uncertainties.
Calgary’s evolving economy also features prominently in voter considerations. Following years of volatility in the energy sector, 59% of respondents indicated that municipal job creation initiatives would significantly influence their voting decisions. The report highlights a growing expectation for city officials to diversify Calgary’s economic base beyond its traditional oil and gas foundations.
“The data clearly shows that Calgarians want leadership focused on economic resilience,” notes Jordan Williams, economist and policy advisor at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “They’re looking for candidates who can articulate a vision for Calgary that balances our energy heritage with emerging sectors like technology, healthcare innovation, and sustainable infrastructure.”
Education quality emerged as the third most significant issue, with particular emphasis on school infrastructure and programming. Though education falls primarily under provincial authority, many candidates have already begun addressing the topic in early campaign materials, promising stronger advocacy and municipal support programs.
Current polling shows an unusually competitive field, with incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek facing approval ratings that have fluctuated significantly throughout her first term. Five challengers have already declared their candidacy, with political analysts suggesting more announcements likely before the official nomination period begins.
Environmental policies, specifically flood mitigation and climate adaptation strategies, ranked fourth in voter priorities, marking a notable shift from previous election cycles where such issues typically received less attention in Calgary politics.
“The findings demonstrate that Calgarians are thinking more holistically about their city’s future,” explains Dr. Ahmed. “They want leaders who can address immediate economic concerns while simultaneously building resilience against environmental challenges we know are coming.”
The report also highlighted significant differences in priorities among demographic groups. Younger voters (18-34) placed substantially higher emphasis on public transit improvements and climate policies, while respondents over 55 prioritized public safety and property tax stabilization.
As candidates begin crafting their platforms for the October 2025 vote, this data offers crucial insights into the issues that will likely dominate debates and public forums. With Calgary continuing to experience rapid growth and demographic shifts, the electoral landscape appears increasingly complex.
As our city stands at this crossroads of established industry and emerging opportunity, one question remains central to the upcoming election: Will Calgary voters choose leadership that prioritizes immediate economic relief or those promising longer-term structural changes to how our city functions?
