Platform

A Message from Joanne

For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles across government, business, and community service. Along the way, I’ve listened to families, seniors, small business owners, and young people who all want the same thing: a city that is safe, affordable, and full of opportunity.

I’m running for City Council because I believe Calgary’s best days are ahead. With proven leadership, a clear vision, and the courage to make tough decisions, I will work every day to build a city where every Calgarian feels secure, supported, and proud to call home.

About Joanne Birce

• Proven Leader: Over 30 years of leadership in government, business, and community service.
• Community Builder: Dedicated to strengthening neighbourhoods, supporting small businesses, and improving quality of life.
• Trusted & Resilient: A track record of listening, acting, and delivering real results.

“Calgary’s best days are still ahead—we just need the leadership to get us there.”

Why Joanne is the Strongest Choice?

• Decisive Problem-Solver – Cuts through red tape and delivers results.
• Collaborative Leader – Builds partnerships to move projects forward.
• Future-Focused – A clear vision for a safe, affordable, thriving city.
• Approachable & Relatable – Listens first, then acts.
• Resilient & Determined – Strength in tackling tough issues.

Three Priorities

1. A Safe, Resilient City– Neighbourhoods that are safe, healthy, and prepared for tomorrow.

2. A Business-Friendly, High-Performing City– A thriving economy backed by efficient, transparent government.

3. An Affordable, Inclusive, Connected City– A city that works for everyone — affordable, inclusive, connected.

1.    A Safe & Resilient City 

Every Calgarian deserves to live in a neighbourhood that is safe, healthy, and sustainable. Public safety and environmental responsibility go hand in hand when it comes to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Joanne’s Plan:

• Safer Streets & Public Spaces: Use smart urban design (better lighting, open sightlines, and community art) to “design out” crime. Invest in community hubs, youth programs, and safe public spaces where families can gather.
• Support for First Responders: Ensure police, and fire, EMS, and emergency managers have the tools and mental health support they need. Invest in community policing and transit safety. Create a Calgary Fire Commission so firefighters have a direct voice in decision-making.
• Environmental Responsibility: Protect and expand Calgary’s parks and green spaces. Support urban forestry and tree-planting programs. Conduct energy audits on civic facilities and retrofit them for efficiency. Promote green home retrofits to help households cut costs while reducing emissions. 

The Result: Communities that are safer today and better prepared for tomorrow. Residents will feel secure knowing first responders are supported, confident their neighbourhoods are clean and sustainable, and proud to call Calgary home.

2. A Business-Friendly, High-Performing City 

When businesses succeed, communities thrive. But too often, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and even ordinary residents run into unnecessary red tape and delays at City Hall. At the same time, Calgarians expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely, with services delivered efficiently and transparently.

Joanne’s Plan:

• Business Friendly Processes and Policies:
  • Fast-Track Permitting: Expedited approvals for small businesses, pop-ups, or adaptive re-use of existing spaces.
  • Transparent Timelines: Public dashboards showing average approval times for permits and applications.
  • Promote Local Procurement: Encourage local businesses to pre-qualify as vendors for city contracts. Work with businesses to ensure ongoing solicitation processes are fair and transparent.
  • Tap into private-sector innovation by encouraging public-private partnerships (P3s) (these can be effective on infrastructure and transportation projects, community and recreation services, housing, waste management, and using new technologies to solve civic problems/challenges)
  • Work with local merchants to establish a West Calgary Business Improvement Area (BIA) to strengthen and market the area.
  • Incentivize vacant office conversions into startup hubs, maker spaces, shared labs and cultural districts.
  • Support further development of the Prairie Economic Gateway (an inland port that connects Calgary businesses globally through efficient rail, trucking, warehousing, and customs clearance services in one place).
• Smart, Efficient City Hall:
  • Expand Employee-Driven Innovation: Encourage staff to bring forward cost-saving and service-improving ideas, building on the SAVE model (Solutions for Achieving Value and Excellence—was Calgary’s employee-led initiative to find $74 million in operational savings by 2022 while maintaining or improving citizen service. It helped shift City Hall toward a culture of innovation, cost-effectiveness, and community-focused outcomes).
  • Outcome-Based Budgeting: Tie spending to measurable results — like faster permits, better transit service, or improved response times.
  • One-Stop Service Hub: Create easier, streamlined ways for residents and businesses to access city services online and in person.
  • Smart Technology: Use automation and digital dashboards to cut red tape, track progress, and give the public more transparency.

The Result: A Calgary that attracts jobs, investment, and innovation — supported by a City Hall that works smarter, saves money, and focuses on results, not bureaucracy.

3. An Affordable, Inclusive, Connected City

Calgary’s future depends on creating a city that works for everyone — one that balances growth responsibly, expands housing options, and ensures families and seniors can thrive in every neighbourhood. Affordability isn’t just about housing — it’s about how people move, connect, and live their daily lives.

Joanne’s Plan:

• Balanced Growth: Champion development that is guided by community input and long-term sustainability — not blanket rezoning. Build housing while protecting neighbourhood character.
• More Affordable Housing: Speed up approvals, partner with nonprofits, faith groups, and developers to expand supply, and advocate for stronger federal and provincial housing investments. Encourage transit-oriented housing, mixed-use and mixed-income developments.
• Transportation Choices: Expand and improve public transit, invest in safer roads, and support on-demand microtransit and ride-hailing services that connect communities to major transit routes. Ensure barrier-free sidewalks and stations so seniors, families, and people with disabilities can travel easily.
• Fair Parking: Keep parking affordable for families, workers, and shoppers while supporting vibrant downtown and local businesses. Residents shouldn’t have to pay unfair fees. Explore innovative parking solutions that balance convenience with economic vitality.
• Seniors & Community Programs: Expand seniors’ housing, recreation, and health programs. Invest in intergenerational initiatives that connect young people with older adults. Support new community centres, local gathering spaces, and wellness programs that make Calgary more vibrant and inclusive. Seek opportunities to bring neighbors together to celebrate Calgary’s diversity, and create pride in our city. 

The Result: A Calgary that is affordable and livable for everyone — where housing is within reach, transit is reliable, seniors feel supported, and every neighbourhood is a place to connect, thrive, and belong.

Joanne’s Commitment to You

I am running for City Council because I believe leadership matters. With my experience, I know how to cut through red tape, bring people together, and deliver results that make life better for Calgarians. My three top priorities — safe and resilient communities, a business-friendly and high-performing city, and an affordable, inclusive, connected community — are not just promises. They are my commitment to you.

This election is about the future we want for our families, our seniors, and the next generation. With your support, together we can build a Calgary that is safe, affordable, and full of opportunity.

On Election Day, vote Joanne Birce – The Strongest Choice for Calgary’s Future.

Click here for more details about my key priorities and platform commitments.