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I’ll be updating it throughout the coming months with more about the work we’ve done and what’s ahead.

It’s time to slow down on the big, disruptive projects for a while and focus on maintaining and repairing what we already have — roads, sidewalks, parks — everything that needs attention. You deserve good governance and steady leadership and that’s what I’m here to give to you.

10/ I think I’ll have beer.

And maybe, I’ll have another.

Who am I kidding? It’ll be a magnesium drink and off to bed. But you get the point!

tl;dr: Money’s good. Credit’s up. Keeping it tight.

9/ We’ve still got work to do, but this is one of those really clear and strong signs that we’ve turned the corner. Things are looking up.

The next few years are going to only get brighter.

8/ It’s not the kind of news that normally turns heads but to me it is an absolute milestone.

And it’s worth acknowledging.

Through a tough few years, an exhausting three and a half years working to get back to AA+, Edmonton held the fiscal line (despite what you may have heard!).

7/ I want to stress that this positive rating upgrade didn’t happen overnight.

It’s the result of years of financial discipline, smart planning, and a ton of very unglamorous work behind the scenes. Especially from our finance team, led by an incredible Chief Financial Officer.

6/ It helps protect taxpayers. When we can borrow more affordably, we reduce pressure on property taxes. We also gain more flexibility when we need to invest or respond to unexpected challenges. And that has happened with greater frequency in recent years - no surprise to anyone looking back.

5/ It signals stability. This upgrade means outside experts can trust Edmonton to manage its finances responsibly. That’s a huge deal after years of economic shocks, inflation, and rising costs due to punishing cuts from other levels of government.

4/ The better the credit rating, the LOWER the interest rate. That can save us millions over time. And those savings stay in public services instead of going to paying for higher interest rates.

3/ If you’re wondering, “why should I care?” well, fair question. Here’s why:

It saves money. Cities borrow to build things. Roads, transit, pipes, fire stations, etc.

2/ Of cities of a million people or more, none have the highest rating possible, but a handful of smaller cities do.

The only other cities our size or larger with AA+ are:

Toronto

Calgary

Ottawa

I missed seeing your message! Cross your fingers and whisper! ;)

As ever - forgive the typos!