Becoming a municipal elected official is an important responsibility and plays a central role in shaping the future of communities. Municipal elected officials have an opportunity to make key decisions on municipal infrastructure, budgeting, economic development, and the delivery of municipal services. Municipal elected officials serve as the voice for the people they represent, ensuring that their concerns and needs are heard and addressed. The decisions made by elected officials can directly improve the quality of life for residents, from enhancing public services to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.
This web resource features materials developed collaboratively by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) and Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis), as well as materials developed by Alberta Municipal Affairs. The provided resources offer key insights for candidates and potential candidates considering running for municipal office and address key questions, including what it is like to be an elected official, how to run for municipal office, and where to access relevant information about running for office.
In the videos below, RMA and ABmunis Board members answer a range of questions about life as an elected official.
Running for municipal office may seem daunting, but Alberta Municipal Affairs has developed resources to help potential candidates navigate the process with confidence.
Alberta Municipal Affairs is in the process of updating its 2025 Candidate Guide, which will offer a comprehensive overview of the process, including:
For additional information on municipal elections and election processes, we encourage you to visit Alberta Municipal Affairs’ website to explore a range of resources, including the 2025 Council Member’s Handbook and videos for prospective candidates.
Over the coming months, RMA and ABmunis will offer a series of webinars providing prospective council candidates and Albertans at-large with a rich and authentic introduction to municipal service, covering everything from day-to-day responsibilities to the lasting community impact of council roles.
More information regarding the webinars will be announced in the coming weeks.
RMA and ABmunis have collaborated to develop a comprehensive toolkit, set to be released Fall 2025. This practical and accessible resource is designed to support Alberta’s newly elected councils by fostering positive and productive relationships between council members and municipal administration.
The toolkit aims to encourage constructive collaboration from the outset, offering clear guidelines, best practices, and actionable insights.
This toolkit will empower council members to work effectively with their Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and administrative teams, paving the way for efficient governance and impactful outcomes for their communities.
RMA and ABmunis are collaborating to produce a series of informational and FAQ documents to provide insights and address common questions about running for municipal office. These resources are expected to be released in the coming weeks and municipalities are encouraged to share these materials with potential candidates and voters to enhance understanding and participation.
The Elected Officials Education Program (EOEP) is a joint venture between RMA and ABmunis to equip elected officials with the tools necessary to effectively serve their community. It provides a valuable orientation course, Munis 101: The Essentials of Municipal Governance, throughout various dates in October and November following the municipal election. Visit the EOEP to learn more.
Additionally, RMA and ABmunis both host their respective 2025 Conventions in November which provide valuable additional learning and networking opportunities for elected officials and municipal administrators.
Alberta Municipal Affairs have also produced several post-election resources for municipal elected officials.
If you have questions regarding the municipal election process, please connect with Alberta Municipal Affairs via:
