Speaking Municipally

Taproot Edmonton
  • 5.0 (3)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

    Ending the year on a tight vote

    We spoke to Mayor Andrew Knack about our growing city, and our shrinking regional economic development organization. Plus, council held a public hearing, reviewed proposed changes to provincial electoral boundaries, and we look ahead to 2026. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Knack interview Regional collaboration still desired, despite Edmonton Global exodus: KnackFort Saskatchewan focused on Heartland Association upon exit from Edmonton GlobalEdmonton could grow to 1.25M people in two years, says administrationAndrew Knack's LinkedIn postBelgravia traffic review Belgravia Traffic Review EngagementElectoral boundaries Strathcona County and Beaumont pushes back against proposed provincial division boundariesDraft changes to Alberta's provincial ridings sees Edmonton, Calgary gain seatsCouncil lookahead Items Due ListThis 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 ★

    48 min

  2. DEC 12

    Tapping onto transit and into trees

    You can now tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to ride transit. Additionally, we'll discuss updates to the capital and operating budgets, and progress towards the city's tree-planting goal. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather News Release: Extreme weather response activated todayExtreme Weather Response for WinterTap-to-pay News Release: Arc tap to pay launches in Edmonton regionWant to pay for Edmonton transit using your credit card? Now you canTraffic safety Opinion: Edmonton's traffic safety unit could make things worseBudget updates Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025Report: Capital Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025March 2025: Edmonton 'still not ready' as 2024 population growth exceeded even breakneck forecast: KnackEdmonton - Housing StartsCouncil budgets Report: Council Services Committee - Dec. 12, 2025Tree planting News Release: City reaches another milestone towards tree planting goalEdmonton nearly halfway to tree goal, with slight extensionSpeaking 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 ★

    37 min

  3. DEC 5

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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
  7. 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

  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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
    342
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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