And for a city of one million people.  To be one person living in such a booming and diverse city it may be hard to believe that a forum exists to truly be heard by City Council.  Mayor Nenshi said that he would ask for input from Calgarians following the budget review, and he has implemented a system to allow for exactly that.  

Beginning February 23rd, Calgarians will be invited to participate in a true conversation with Calgary’s decision-makers.  This will be the first time in Calgary’s history that its citizens have been so actively, and genuinely engaged by Council.   Come out and join the conversation and make sure you share your views on the potential that the city has to improve the lives of those living in poverty.   For more information and to RSVP and attend one of the four sessions outlined below and/or participate online, see the communication from the City of Calgary we have attached below.

  Our City.  Our Budget. Our Future.  Get Involved!

What do you value about our city?  What makes Calgary the kind of city that your children and their children will stay in to raise their families?  What’s important to you?  Proper planning and budgeting now will put us on a journey to creating a sustainable future for those most important to us and to everyone who calls Calgary home. 

A public and internal engagement program has recently been initiated for the combined facilitated review of core services and The City’s business planning and budget process. 

The project is being called - Our City. Our Budget. Our Future.  It is the first of its size and scope for Calgary. The process includes plans to involve citizens, employees and Council in three phases over the next four months.  This email to you today is to provide you with some information about this project and encourage you and members of your organization to get involved.

We need to hear from as many Calgarians as possible.  What City services do they value?  What are their priorities?  What is the best way to allocate the money available?  What would they put in The City’s budget?  What trade-offs are they prepared to make to create the future we all want?

All the input will be given to Council and Administration in June and will be considered in the development of the business plans and budgets for the next three years.  Setting priorities for the 2012-2014 budget is the first step in shaping a sustainable future for Calgary.

Community Workshops will kick off the project beginning February 23 and EVERYONE is welcome.  These sessions will be asking participants to provide input on the engagement process, identify values and interests related to engagement and help identify measures for success.  Choose a time and location that works for you. 

PHASE 1 - Everybody’s business

Join us to discuss - What will make this public engagement process a success?

What tools and materials do you need for meaningful participation?

Date, Location and Time

Wednesday, February 23

7:00-9:30pm

Best Western Village Park Inn

1804 Crowchild Trail NW

Foothills 1

Thursday, February 24

7:00-9:30pm

Fort Calgary - Sanders Room

750 - 9 Avenue SE

Friday, February 25

9:30am-12:00pm

Delta South - Fireside Room (Tower Building)

135 Southland Drive SW

Saturday, February 26

9:30am - 12:00pm

Radisson Hotel

2120 16 Ave NE

Skyline Room (2^nd floor)

Pick the date that works best for you and RSVP to info@dialoguepartners.ca

PARTICIPATION ONLINE:  February 18 - March 4

(See the website for details)

In March and April we’ll hold events and opportunities to talk about values and priorities related to City services, and in May we’ll engage participants in understanding the pros, cons and trade-offs related to City services and budget allocations, and identify options for moving forward.  (See the website for details)

Check out the project website for more details and background information.

calgary.ca/ourfuture

Your input matters - tell us what you think.  Don’t wait. Participate!