RMA Seeking Member Feedback on Revised Tax Arrears Monitoring Program Methodology
RMA has raised concerns and questions regarding government’s revised TAMP methodology and is seeking member input ahead of discussions with Alberta Municipal Affairs Earlier this year, the Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS) process concluded with the release of a final report containing 16 recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability for unpaid oil and gas property taxes, mitigating municipal impacts, and improving coordination between municipalities, […]
GOA Engagement on the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act
In October 2025, the Minister of Energy and Minerals was mandated to develop an expedited 120-day provincial approval process for priority projects designated to be in the provincial interest. In response to this mandate, Bill 30: Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act was passed on May 6, 2026 and comes into force on proclamation. According to the Government of Alberta, the Act is intended to improve […]
Opportunity to Provide Input on Two Sub-Regional Plans
The Government of Alberta (GOA) will complete planning for up to 14 sub-regions across the province. Sub-regional plans are a key component of the province’s approach to maintaining a working landscape on Crown land and supporting a broad range of land uses and values including conservation, Indigenous traditional land use, recreation and economic development. While municipal and privately held land are excluded from sub-regional plans, rural municipalities play an important role in […]
Government of Alberta Releases New BIA Regulation
Amendments to the Business Improvement Area Regulation will take effect January 1, 2027. Municipal Affairs has recently released amendments to the Business Improvement Area (BIA) Regulation that will come into force on January 1, 2027. The changes follow stakeholder engagement conducted in 2025 are intended to provide BIA boards and municipalities with greater flexibility and clearer standards for governance, operations, and administration while maintaining accountability […]
TEC Bridge Inspection Manual and Bridge Management System Modernization Project
On July 28, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) hosted a short webinar outlining their plans for a multi‑year modernization of the provincial Bridge Information System and provincial bridge inspection standards. The project includes developing a new integrated bridge management platform, transitioning to element‑level bridge inspections, and releasing an updated version of the provincial Bridge Inspection Manual. The modernization is intended to introduce new […]
Monthly Resolution Update – July 2026
To improve reporting on resolution advocacy, the RMA is releasing a monthly bulletin highlighting recent actions undertaken on select active resolutions The Monthly Resolution Update Bulletin is a way of routinely highlighting a selection of the over 70 currently active resolutions, offering members a more detailed insight into the work being carried out on their […]
Extreme Weather Patterns Are Shifting. Is Your Municipality Ready?
Published: July 2026 | Version: 1.0 | Last updated: July 2026 Applies to: Municipalities and municipal staff responsible for emergency planning and response. Purpose: This bulletin outlines risk management considerations to help municipalities prepare for extreme weather and coordinate recovery efforts. Current weather threats Alberta’s weather is becoming more unpredictable and more destructive. As of […]
Harvest Traffic and Public Safety: A Risk Management Approach
Published: July 2026 | Version: 1.0 | Last updated: July 2026 Applies to: Municipalities with agricultural traffic on local roads. Purpose: This bulletin outlines risk management considerations to help municipalities support public safety, protect infrastructure, and reduce the risk of collisions during harvest season. Harvest Traffic and Public Safety Municipalities play an important role in […]
Municipal Affairs Seeking Input on Councillor Accountability Framework Design
The Councillor Accountability Framework was introduced in Bill 28 but details will be defined through regulation Municipal Affairs is seeking input on the design of the Councillor Accountability Framework (CAF), which was added to the Municipal Government Act through Bill 28 in spring 2026. Earlier in July, Municipal Affairs hosted four in-person engagement sessions for municipal associations and some municipalities and is open to receiving input from all municipalities. Early […]
Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program: Call for Proposals Now Open
Transport Canada has opened two funding streams under the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP), offering opportunities for rural municipalities to advance rail safety through education, infrastructure upgrades, technology pilots, and research. Both streams are now accepting proposals, with separate deadlines and requirements. Municipalities, Indigenous governments, provinces, Crown corporations, nonprofits, for‑profits, and academia are eligible to apply. Eligible expenses include staff […]