Speaking Municipally

Taproot Edmonton

Taproot Edmonton presents a weekly discussion on key stories in municipal politics. We pay attention to City Council so you don't have to! Join us as we delve into conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall.

  1. 4D AGO

    Snow more money

    The tax increase for 2026 is set at 6.9%. We examine the 2026 budget deliberations and Edmonton's growth pressures, noting what council decided on, and why. Plus, the old Royal Alberta Museum is one step closer to being saved. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow Edmonton 'business as usual' for icy road cleanup, not considering bringing back calcium chloride: KnackGiving Tuesday Giving Tuesday sees Edmonton charities get a holiday hike in donationsMake a contribution to Taproot2026 Budget Edmonton could grow to 1.25M people in two years, says administrationEdmonton city council approves 6.9% property tax increase for 2026Property taxes creep higher after Explore Edmonton gets steady fundingMotions to reduce capital expenses fail at Edmonton city council budget deliberationsCity council OKs money for west-end road upgrades near River Cree resortVision Zero Stopping speeders and Whitemud widening top priorities on last day of budget talksRoyal Alberta Museum 'Encouraging': Negotiations underway to redevelop Edmonton's old Royal Alberta Museum siteThis episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider (and title sponsor of Taproot's Regional Roundup). Park Power offers electricity, natural gas, and internet to homes, businesses, and farms throughout Alberta. Learn more at parkpower.ca. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    39 min

  2. NOV 28

    The itsy bitsy surplus

    This week, council got to ask questions about the proposed fall budget adjustment. Plus, we learn more about the city's plan to enforce speed limits, the "end" of construction season, and the Valley Line LRT turns two. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025Report: Fall 2025 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Operating BudgetReport: Fall 2025 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Capital BudgetKeith Gerein: Despite another grim city budget, Edmonton may be closer to ending its financial funkVision Zero Report: Municipal Traffic Safety Expansion Opportunities - Reinvesting to Address Critical Safety ConcernsSpeeding, traffic fatalities up as Edmonton navigates provincial photo radar restrictions: city reportA better Detour for 102 Ave - YEG Bike CoalitionCalgary's Pathway and Bikeway Projects (5A)Construction season Edmonton ends construction season as it eyes accelerated strategy for future projectsNews Release: City wraps up the 2025 construction season at new fire stationValley Line LRT Two years later, is the Valley Line Southeast LRT meeting expectations?LRT train pushed off tracks after crash with semi-truckNovember 2023: Speaking Municipally ON A TRAINSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    38 min

  3. NOV 21

    No rubber stamp here

    Council held its first public hearing since the election, and infill was front and centre. Plus, we talk about Vision Zero, P3 projects, and the upcoming budget season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public hearing Infill expansion in Mayfield neighbourhood rejected unanimously by councilVision Zero With pedestrian fatalities climbing in Edmonton, advocates call for safer infrastructureCity looking to address traffic safety issues in EdgemontCalgary Safety Traffic TeamEdmonton Safe Mobility StrategyJessica LamarreEdmonton dumps school photo radar citing costs, issues beyond speedingMayor floats new traffic safety unit after woman struck at marked crosswalk dies in hospitalP3 projects Knack says council 'shouldn't shy away' from private partnerships on public projectsEdmonton could consider more partnerships with private industry to build future arenas, libraries: reportBudget City Council - Orientation - Nov. 17, 2025New Edmonton city council told 6.4% property tax increase loomsThis episode is brought to you by the Solar Power Investment Cooperative of Edmonton. SPICE partners with communities to build sustainable, solar-powered infrastructure that delivers long-term environmental and economic value. Join in advancing a resilient, low-carbon Alberta — and be part of the transformation. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    34 min

  4. NOV 14

    The heart berry opens, a chapter closes

    Troy is back! For a chat. We talk about the election and his plans. Plus, we check in on Better Edmonton, the downtown park, and the bike lanes on 103 Avenue. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.caTroy appreciation thread on RedditEpisode 316: Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next?Municipal parties 2 new city councillors are leaving Better Edmonton. What does that mean for the party?Municipal parties to remain active in Edmonton as councillor leaves Better Edmonton partyO-day'min Park Warehouse Park begins mission to activate downtown with opening celebrationsEdmontonians enjoying new downtown parkDowntown Edmonton businesses frustrated over multiple construction projects103 Avenue bike lanes A new set of bike lanes is causing tension in downtown EdmontonThis episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Arts Council. It doesn't get more local than the Edmonton Arts Council Shop. From tickets to local events to coveted works from more than 200 emerging and established Edmonton artists, you can discover the unique experiences and creative works that set Edmonton apart at our Shop. See the latest in-store on Instagram: @shopyegarts. Or visit edmontonarts.ca. This episode is also brought to you by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. Kick off the holiday season with Downtown Winterval, a festival that brings 104 Street to life with sleigh rides, ice-carving lessons, photos with Santa, and live music. New this year, we've got street hockey for the kids. It's all happening on a street-wide patio! Join us Nov. 22 from 3pm to 8pm. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton. ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 3m
  5. Return of the Knack

    NOV 7

    Return of the Knack

    We sit down with Edmonton's new mayor, Andrew Knack, to talk about optimism, regional collaboration, video game marathons, and much more.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: Mayor Andrew Knack AndrewKnack.caAndrew Knack at Taproot's vote siteAndrew Knack - Extra Life Edmonton donation pageRelated links New Edmonton city council votes unanimously to create more daytime shelter spacesMayor Knack responds to Chamber call for business task forceVacant Downtown Lot SurveyReddit thread on the surveyExtra Life EdmontonPrevious appearances Episode 59: The Fruits of Edmonton's Tech Investments (LIVE)Episode 67: 2eoPEARdyEpisode 157: I made my greenfield developers disappearEpisode 162: Troy lost a betEpisode 276: 13 months noticeEpisode 309: He's got a Knack for winning electionsRapid fire Alberta teachers union launches two court challenges against province's back-to-work legislationShout out to Castria, our podcast editors! Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 3m

  6. OCT 31

    The scaring-in ceremony

    This week, we take you inside city hall for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural city council meeting of the 2025-2029 term. Plus, we look at possible changes to provincial electoral boundaries in Edmonton, and hear from some municipal election scrutineers. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Swearing-in ceremony Edmonton's new city council starts work by identifying prioritiesDon Iveson's postYou're likely to hear the same debates at city hall despite new councilEdmonton's everyman: Andrew Knack's journey to the mayor's seatElectoral boundaries Calgary, Edmonton to gain seats under proposed electoral boundary redrawMost Edmontonians will vote in new or redrawn ridings next provincial election: interim reportCommission report (PDF)Election scrutineers The election count through the eyes of scrutineers: 'It broke down completely'Teacher strike Students return to Alberta schools after historic teachers' strike screeches to a halt'Mixed feelings' among Alberta students, parents amid return to school after 3-week strikeThe economic fallout of the Alberta teachers' strike and what comes nextAlberta labour leaders gauge interest in general strike after suspension of teachers' bargaining rightsNews Release: Better data, better outcomes for Alberta studentsNews Release: Showcasing Alberta in the Middle EastRapid fire A timeline of Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry's relationshipSoaring Blue Jays and struggling Dodgers face duelling pressures in Game 6 of World SeriesSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    41 min

  7. OCT 24

    Patience is a virtue

    We take an initial look at Edmonton's new city council, which looks eerily similar to the old one. Plus, we discuss delayed results, missing ballots, and monumental recounts.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: Election results Unofficial resultsAndrew Knack: 'Edmonton chose independent leadership'Edmonton mayor-elect Knack's priorities include safety, affordabilityEdmonton votes 2025: School board trusteesEdmonton region votes 2025: Six new mayors, dozens of new councillorsNew councillors Jon MorganReed ClarkeMichael ElliottThu ParmarCracks appear in Cartmell's Better Edmonton coalitionIncumbents Most Edmonton city councillors to serve another term, election results suggestJudicial review for Edmonton city councillor Jennifer Rice set for after next civic electionCounting process News Release: Summary of facts that show how the process was verified and soundEdmonton Elections blames labour shortage, technology issues in voting and counting delayWard councillor race flips after Edmonton Elections recountFrom 6 to 600 ballots: What went wrong with the count in sipiwiyiniwak?Slow results and long lines in 2025 Edmonton electionTaproot Survey Taproot SurveyVoter response statisticsSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    1 hr

  8. OCT 17

    'Twas the night before election

    We reflect on the biggest issues the 2025 campaign. Plus, we cover advance voting turnout and some last little bits of election analysis.  Here are the relevant links for this episode: 2021 Election Oct. 15, 2021: Episode 151 - It's Election ThymeTaproot Survey Comparison of Cartmell, Jaffer, Knack, and WaltersCandidate PitchesThe Taproot Survey is helping voters and candidates ahead of Election DayTaproot SurveyTake the survey and match with candidatesAdvance Voting Advance voter turnout higher than in 2021 with 1 week until Edmonton electionEdmonton Election ResultsFears for depressed turnout in the 2025 Calgary meh-lectionCampaign themes Edmonton's next city council will have to get creative balancing goals and taxes, former mayor saysToo much, too fast: Majority polled in Calgary, Edmonton unhappy with pace of population growthKeith Gerein: This has been Edmonton's infill election, but we're getting only one side of the storyThe big picture on housing, density and affordabilityHow do Edmonton's election issues in 2025 compare to 2021?Election analysis Keith Gerein: Edmonton's money woes need more than wishful thinkingEdmonton Votes 2025: Voting records reveal close councillor alignment ahead of election dayAnalysis: Cartmell's fundraising has significant crossover with UCP, while Knack has support from city staffIf 'undecided' was a person, they'd be on track to be Edmonton's next mayor, poll suggestsRapid fire Your province, your plateSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

    44 min
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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Taproot Edmonton presents a weekly discussion on key stories in municipal politics. We pay attention to City Council so you don't have to! Join us as we delve into conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall.

Information

  • Creator
    Taproot Edmonton
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    340
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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