ACC Media Release: 10/17/2025

EDMONTON, AB – Business attraction and retention has emerged as the top priority for Alberta businesses ahead of the upcoming 2025 municipal elections, according to a new survey from Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC). Conducted on the Alberta Perspectives research platform, insights were collected from 488 business leaders across the province, between August 27th - September 12th, 2025, revealing key concerns likely to shape the municipal election landscape. 

Local Election Priorities 
Survey findings highlight what it will take to earn the confidence of local business leaders in this municipal election. Employers are focused on core economic issues that directly affect their ability to operate, grow, and create jobs. When asked to identify the top priorities for municipal candidates, respondents pointed to business attraction and retention as the clear frontrunner, followed by cost-related concerns: 

• Business attraction and retention (43%) 
• Business taxes (32%) 
• Cost of utilities (31%) 

The survey also points to a renewed focus on the fundamentals of governance. Compared to last year, more respondents identified local government–business relations, zoning and regulations, and transportation infrastructure as top priorities—underscoring a desire for municipalities to refocus on their core responsibilities. 

Compounding Impacts of Crime and Taxes 
Over two-thirds (68%) of Alberta businesses have been affected by crime in the past year—primarily cyber crime (31%), theft (30%), and vandalism (29%)—with over half (52%) having to invest capital in protection measures. 

Alongside security concerns, businesses identified specific municipal and broader cost burdens that impact their growth and competitiveness with the top barriers cited being:  

• Insurance premiums tax (48%) 
• Municipal utilities (46%) 
• Municipal business tax (45%) 

Building Economic Momentum with New Mandates 
Using the Net Promoter Score (a standard measure of customer loyalty) to gauge how likely businesses are to recommend investing or setting up operations in their community, results show: 

• businesses satisfied with local supports and services are far more likely to be a ‘Promoter’ (29% vs. 5% among those dissatisfied). 
• those who find municipal budgets and financial statements clear are twice as likely to be ‘Promoter’ (18% vs. 9% among those who find them unclear). 
• businesses reporting higher electricity or natural gas franchise fees are far more likely to be ‘Detractors’ (73% vs. 31%). 
• businesses contacted by an elected official in the past year—and who found the exchange beneficial—are more likely to be a ‘Promoter’ (28% vs. 8%).

While contact from municipal officials rose from 15% to 21% this year, engagement remains well below 2021 and 2019 levels (34%). Most businesses (62%) report their municipality does not consult them effectively, and only 39% are satisfied with local business supports and services. Satisfaction peaks at 62% among those engaging officials 11 or more times in the past year.

“This data provides a clear roadmap for growing local economies,” says Shauna Feth, ACC President and CEO. “Municipalities that listen and respond to their business community will be better positioned for growth.”

“For newly elected officials, consistently engaging with local businesses is the simplest way to build investor confidence and strengthen prosperity in their community.”