TAMRMS#: B06
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Provincial Revenue Consultation Advocacy
Presented by: Lynette Tremblay, Manager, Government Relations
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
That the City of St. Albert submit the AUMA Mayors’ Caucus RFD and Resolution, both entitled “Commitment to Formal Municipal Consultations on the Future of Provincial Revenue Sharing”, and both provided as attachments to the May 23, 2017 agenda report entitled "Provincial Revenue Consultation Advocacy", for consideration by AUMA members as advocacy direction for the AUMA to pursue.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The attached AUMA Mayors’ Caucus RFD and draft resolution are presented for Council endorsement in order to direct the AUMA’s advocacy efforts to securing a commitment to and advance details regarding municipal consultations regarding the future of provincial revenue sharing.
The deadline for municipalities to submit Requests for Decision for the Summer 2017 Mayors’ Caucus is June 6, 2017. May 23, 2017 is the only Council Meeting prior to June 6, 2017. This item needs to be acted on by AUMA prior to the November 2017 Convention, which is why it is being recommended for decision on June 15, 2017.
COUNCIL DIRECTION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The recent two-year commitment to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) was welcomed news. The announcements came with an indication that municipal consultations to reaffirm the outcomes of provincial revenue sharing would occur this summer. However, no commitment or details have been forthcoming thus presenting an opportunity for municipalities to advocate for timely, inclusive and comprehensive consultations on the future of provincial revenue sharing.
To that end, the Alberta Urban Municipalities’ Association (AUMA) provides three opportunities for members to provide direction on their advocacy efforts-the spring and summer Mayors’ Caucuses and the annual convention. The attached RFD is recommended as a submission to the upcoming summer Mayors’ Caucus to be held on June 15, 2017 for municipalities with populations greater than 10,000. If successfully endorsed by the AUMA >10,000 population members, this would serve to direct the AUMA to pursue a formal commitment to consultations. Secondly, submitting the attached resolution to the AUMA for consideration at the 2017 annual convention would potentially result in direction from the entire membership and serve to perpetuate the advocacy for consultations if no success is achieved over the summer and fall.
This RFD and resolution will also be presented to the councils of the City of Leduc and the City of Grande Prairie. If endorsed, they would be co-sponsors of these two submissions further denoting the provincial significance of these requests, especially to Alberta’s mid-sized cities.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The City of Leduc and City of Grande Prairie have agreed to co-sponsor this Request for Decision and Resolution with the City of St. Albert.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
This will assist our advocacy efforts regarding provincial revenue sharing and the longevity of MSI.
Financial:
Provincial grants are an important revenue source for municipalities and, as such, they have a vested interest in their continuation and in shaping any new revenue sharing programs through consultation with the Government of Alberta.
Legal / Risk:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
1) Council could direct Administration to draft alternate wording or amend the intent of the proposed RFD and/or resolution.
2) Council could choose not to endorse the submission of any RFD or resolution on this matter.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
Governance Strategy
3.2.Establish a robust series of financial policies that support a long-term
sustainable, financially responsible and affordable community for the
residents of St. Albert.
3.3.Provide short- and long-term forecasting and budgeting principles that guide
the City’s decision making and link financial resources to the City of St.
Albert’s strategic plan.
4. Develop strong working relationships with regional, provincial and federal
partners.
Report Date: May 23, 2017
Author(s): Lynette Tremblay, Manager, Government Relations
Committee/Department: Government Relations
General Manager: Michelle Bonnici, Acting GM of Corporate Services
City Manager: Kevin Scoble