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last mo.

After Swearing-In, Farkas Targets 2026 Tax Hike as First Test for New Council

He signaled a push for efficiencies ahead of a Nov. 10 budget presentation that proposes a 3.6% overall property tax increase.

Jeromy Farkas took the oath of office and was sworn in alongside a new Calgary city council that has the largest class of rookies in more than 100 years.
Calgary mayor Jeromy Farkas indicated there is consensus amongst the new city council that next year's proposed tax increase is "far too high."
Toronto Blue Jays Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrate a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series on Wednesday in L.A.
The newly-sworn in Calgary City Council was photographed at city hall on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Overview

  • Jeromy Farkas took the oath as Calgary’s 38th mayor alongside 14 councillors, forming the largest rookie class in more than a century.
  • In his first State of the City address, Farkas told the business community council will arrive with “sharpened pencils” to seek a significant reduction to the proposed increase.
  • The budget preview released in September outlines a 3.6% overall property tax rise, averaging 5.4% for residential owners and 1.3% for commercial properties.
  • City administration will present the 2026 budget to council on Nov. 10, with formal deliberations scheduled for Nov. 24.
  • Farkas emphasized priorities around safety, infrastructure and a more transparent city hall as stakeholders warn of challenges like public safety pressures, the costly Green Line LRT and maintenance backlogs, with business leaders noting the non-residential tax ratio is nearing the provincial five-to-one limit.