City’s new economic development strategy focuses on the "Edmonton Advantage" to drive prosperity through 2030 |
June 10, 2026
The City of Edmonton has released an updated economic development strategy that will guide its work to support and foster economic growth from 2026 to 2030.
Edmonton Advantage: Edmonton’s Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030 outlines how the City will transform its processes to better support and grow local businesses, attract global investment and build a vibrant and sustainable economy as the city grows to a population of two million.
"The Edmonton advantage is undeniable. Edmonton is a global leader in innovation and research, advanced manufacturing and the most affordable major city in Canada to do business," said Mayor Andrew Knack. “City Council’s core priorities have given us a clear mandate to move with purpose and accelerate growth, attract investment and deliver measurable results for Edmontonians. This refreshed strategy will guide us as we follow through on our commitments to ensure Edmonton continues to be the best place to start, grow and scale a business.”
Interconnected actions fuel cycles of success
The new strategy sees the City's role adjust from a traditional regulator to an active growth partner. Built on extensive data collection and insights from the business and economic development communities, it focuses on three strategic pillars designed to create a continuous cycle of economic success:
- Enabling a strong business environment: Building upon red tape reduction efforts that already save businesses $16 million annually, optimizing local procurement and expanding Business Friendly services to help all businesses thrive.
- Marketing the Edmonton Advantage: Co-creating a unified, compelling place brand with economic development partners to raise global awareness of Edmonton’s unique business advantages while lowering operational costs.
- Driving investment: Leveraging the City's land, talent and infrastructure. This includes executing the Downtown and Industrial Investment Action Plans, establishing an Economic Opportunities Fund and providing tax incentives for new major commercial and industrial builds.
A collaborative strategy built with community partners
Recognizing that economic growth is a collective effort, the final strategy was deeply informed through engagement sessions with the City’s many economic development and business partners.
“The launch of Edmonton Advantage: Edmonton’s Economic Development Strategy marks the next stage of a thoughtful, measured approach to maximizing long-term economic impact,” said City Manager Eddie Robar. “Moving forward, the City will prioritize initiatives that offer the highest return on investment, generating economic momentum that will fund future stages of the plan. Backed by the collective spirit of our local builders, innovators and industries, this strategy aims to accelerate opportunity and leverage the Edmonton Advantage.”
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For more information:
Media contact:
Melissa Lovatt
Director, Communications and Engagement
Urban Planning and Economy
780-719-0544
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