The Pulse: Dec. 14, 2020

Edmonton's city council wrapped up its budget deliberations on Dec. 11, approving a property tax freeze for 2021, the first since 1997.

Adjustments to the operating and capital budgets for 2021 and 2022 passed 12-1, with Coun. Mike Nickel voting against. Reductions approved to achieve the tax increase of 0% for 2021 helped to offset an increase of 0.6% for the Edmonton Police Service, a 0.6% increase for the Valley Line LRT, and an increase of 0.3% for alley renewal.

A majority of the $56.5 million in ongoing savings proposed by administration were accepted by council, including more than $18 million in "workforce strategies" that will result in more than 300 full-time equivalent positions being cut, a majority of which will come from vacancies and attrition.

"These hardworking colleagues... will be sorely missed," Mayor Don Iveson said in a news conference. "I am so thankful for your service to our city."

Iveson said incoming city manager Andre Corbould has been asked to review additional workforce efficiencies after he starts in January 2021.

"I'd like to make clear that our work on reducing costs and supporting economic recovery will not end after these budget discussions," Iveson said.

The Downtown Business Association has named Edmonton marketer and business strategist Puneeta McBryan as its new executive director.

McBryan has worked with many DBA member businesses through her leadership roles at ZGM Modern Marketing Partners since 2016, and her previous work for marketing firms Incite and Amplomedia.

McBryan tells Taproot Edmonton that storytelling will be key to the recovery, reconnection, and long-term economic prosperity of downtown Edmonton.

"I think my background as a marketer and communicator puts me in a unique position to look at these issues through both a storytelling and a behaviour change lens to make sure that Edmontonians from all over the city can rally behind and take pride in the excitement and attractiveness of our downtown, and can better understand how their decisions about where they choose to spend their work time, play time, and money actually have a huge impact on the future of our whole city," she said.

It's the second-last episode of the year and that means it's budget time! We'll cover all the ideas: good, bad, and "coming from Mike Nickel". Plus, Taproot did an end of year interview with the Mayor and we have CLIPS!

Speaking Municipally is a weekly podcast featuring key stories in municipal politics. Hosted by Troy Pavlek and Mack Male.

Busra Yildirim captured this shot of the majestic Walterdale Bridge a few weeks ago. Thanks for sharing!

• Edmonton and Calgary protestors showed up over the weekend to voice their discontent about restrictions, as new COVID-19 measures began on Sunday, Dec. 13.
• Healthcare workers will begin to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, Dec. 16 in Alberta. Staff at the University of Alberta Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and the Peter Lougheed Centre and the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary are up first.
• Pharmacy robberies in Alberta have increased during the pandemic, due in part to the ability to wear a mask and not arouse suspicion.
• Local artist Mike Roshuk has created digital paintings of Edmonton in the midst of "post-apocalyptic destruction," reports CBC News.