May 8, 2026
Letter to the Mayor: Feedback on Proposed Performance Indicators
Dear Mayor Knack and Councilors,
On behalf of nearly 2,000 member businesses, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is writing to provide feedback on item 7.1 of the April 28 Council agenda. Specifically, the proposed “Performance Indicators” for Economic Development in Attachment 2 of OCM03495. The Chamber had registered to speak to these items at Council; however, as our request was not heard, we appreciate the opportunity to submit our comments in writing and trust they will be considered as Council continues its deliberations.
We acknowledge the distinction between high-level “Performance Indicators” (Council’s accountability tools) and the more granular "Performance Measures” administration will develop through the budgeting process. With that in mind, we offer the following:
1. The Indicators Must Track Job Creation
As found in our 2025 State of the Economy report, Edmonton’s economic story has a troubling gap: while the city holds roughly half a million jobs - 72% of all metro-region employment - it captured only 13% of the 41,000 net new jobs added across the region over the past five years. Labour force participation has fallen more sharply in Edmonton than in any other major Canadian metro. Unemployment remains disproportionately concentrated in the urban core.
These numbers demand a direct response in how we measure economic development success. Council should make clear that job creation and workforce outcomes are expected "Performance Indicators", not optional add-ons developed later. Without that signal, there is a real risk that the measures ultimately adopted will sidestep the metric that matters most to Edmonton’s long-term competitiveness.
We welcome Councillor Tang’s comments on the importance of tracking job creation and workforce outcomes. From the Chamber’s perspective, job growth remains one of the clearest and most tangible ways residents and businesses understand whether economic development policies are working.
2. Arts, Culture, and Tourism Indicators Need Economic Teeth
We also wish to echo concerns raised by several members of Council, including Councillor Jo‑Anne Wright, regarding the proposed “Performance Indicators” related to arts, culture, and tourism. Hotel occupancy and venue utilization are blunt instruments. They tell us whether spaces are being used, not whether investment from the City is generating economic returns. While the proposed indicators are on the right path, we encourage Council to push for additional "Performance Indicators” tied directly to economic impact, such as consumer spending at major festivals and events, the business revenue uplift in surrounding neighbourhoods, and visitor spending in the local economy. These measures would give both Council and the public a far clearer picture of whether the City’s investments are paying off.
3. Engage the Business Community Before Measures Are Finalized
Given the direct link between these "Performance Indicators” and the upcoming budget, we are asking for a formal opportunity to review and provide input on the granular "Performance Measures" before they are finalized by administration. The business community must be part of shaping how Edmonton measures its own economic success.
Edmonton’s priorities should be backed by data that is transparent, credible, and meaningful to the businesses and residents you represent. We look forward to working with Mayor Knack, Council, and city administration to make that a reality.
Sincerely,
Heather Thomson
Vice President, Economy and Engagement
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
CC:
- Eddie Robar, City Manager, City of Edmonton
- Kim Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning & Economy, City of Edmonton
- Jennifer Flaman, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
- Craig McKeown, Deputy City Manager, City Operations
- Doug Griffiths, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber
Have your say.
The Edmonton Chamber wants to hear from you. What are the top issues and priorities for your business? Start the conversation by writing to policy@edmontonchamber.com
