The Research
Methodology
The research was conducted through the Alberta Perspectives platform, where the ACC distributed an online research invitation to all member chambers across the province and additional non-chamber member businesses. A total of 488 participants completed the research through this approach. As part of the research, those affected by crime or had undertaken a renovation or expansion project were also asked to complete a few additional questions related to these issues.
The research period for businesses ran from August 27th to September 12th, 2025.
Purpose of the Research
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Use the findings to broaden and deepen the evidence the ACC and local chambers can bring forward to articulate the perspectives of the province’s business community;
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To reinforce ongoing advocacy efforts by undertaking regular province-wide efforts to gather, prioritize, and articulate perspectives of the business community on core economic and policy issues of relevance to municipal and provincial government leaders; and
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Make the research available to individual Chambers for their own use with local municipalities.
Key Findings
- For the 2025 Alberta municipal elections, business attraction and retention (43%) is now the top priority for Alberta businesses, followed by business taxes (32%) and cost of utilities (31%).
- A majority (68%) of Alberta businesses report being affected by some type of crime in the past 12 months.
- Businesses that find municipal budgets and financial statements understandable are more likely to recommend investing or setting up operations in their community.
- Only one-in-five businesses report being contacted by elected officials regarding growing or sustaining their business.