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Michael Walters

Candidate for mayor

Mixed

Which would you prioritize in your role during the budget process?

Walters

Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.

Candidate comments: “As mayor, my role will be to set clear, high-level direction that reflects Edmonton's priorities: safety, affordability, reliable service, a strong economy and smart growth. I will focus budgets on essentials, cut waste in large projects, and hold administration accountable. Council should guide the vision and outcomes, then ensure every dollar delivers value for residents”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?

Walters

Community representative.

Candidate comments: “A councillor or mayor must be both a community representative and a visionary leader. I have always believed leadership means focus and accountability, but it also requires listening to residents and earning their trust. They must take responsibility when decisions are tough, build partnerships to get things done, and keep trust with the people they serve”

Mixed

Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?

Walters

Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.

Candidate comments: “I will push to reduce this year's projected tax increase by cutting waste in big capital projects, refocusing on essentials, and finding savings through smarter growth. Going forward, taxes should only rise with inflation and population growth, while protecting our industrial and commercial competitiveness, delivering better public services and protecting affordability.”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?

Walters

Intervene to incentivize more mixed-use development and local services.

Candidate comments: “I support walkable, complete communities, but not a one-size-fits-all model. As mayor, I will incentivize mixed-use growth where it makes sense, near transit, along main streets, and in new neighbourhood hubs, while protecting affordability and respecting existing communities. The goal is choice: every resident should have access to services close to home and strong city-wide mobility.”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?

Walters

Set a firm growth boundary.

Candidate comments: “I think the City's priority should be to work with what is already on the table by unlocking Blatchford, Exhibition Lands and other major sites, and building around transit where we have invested billions. I also support planning south of 41 Ave SW to meet demand, but alongside completing existing projects. Growth must be smart, well-sequenced and tied to affordability.”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?

Walters

Slow the pace with stronger regulations.

Candidate comments: “I support infill, but the current "eight-plex everywhere" approach to zoning and building has gone too far, too fast. I will work to rewrite the rules to reduce mid-block density to four units, allow six on corners, and set clear design standards so new homes fit neighbourhoods. Infill must protect affordability while restoring trust with communities and builders”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?

Walters

The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?

Walters

Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.

Mixed

Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?

Walters

Grow the residential population.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?

Walters

Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.

Candidate comments: “Arts and culture are essential to Edmonton's spirit. From festivals to live music to community celebrations, they connect us, drive our economy, and make our city vibrant. As mayor, I'll support stable, predictable funding so organizations can plan ahead, and I'll create and support initiatives like my Heritage 365 plan that make culture more accessible and visible across the city.”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?

Walters

Remove barriers to business growth.

Candidate comments: “Beyond removing barriers, my approach to economic development is about restoring confidence and making Edmonton Canada's most investable city. That means revitalizing downtown and main streets, cutting red tape so businesses can grow, building a competitive tax and investment climate, and leveraging our strengths in innovation, culture, and education to attract people, jobs, and opportunity.”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?

Walters

Increase accessibility and public amenities.

Candidate comments: “The river valley is our city's greatest asset. I'll protect it as a natural space, while expanding safe trails, gathering areas, and cultural and recreation opportunities. I'll make it more connected and accessible so every Edmontonian can enjoy it, without compromising its natural integrity.”

Mixed

Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?

Walters

Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.

Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?

Walters

Build and operate more permanent supportive housing.

Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?

Walters

Lower costs and remove barriers for private and non-profit builders.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?

Walters

Members of council should be free from party affiliation.

Mixed

If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?

Walters

Negotiate with the province to ensure the best practical outcome.

Mixed

If the City of Edmonton faces public pressure to fund services under provincial jurisdiction, which would you prioritize?

Walters

Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?

Walters

Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?

Walters

Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?

Walters

Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?

Walters

Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?

Walters

Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.

Candidate comments: “I will advocate for a 70/30 renewal/growth ratio in the next Capital Budget and implanted a "small is beautiful" approach to new projects with a focus on smaller scale neighborhood amenities.”

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?

Walters

Maintaining existing roads would be a better use of funds than expansion.

Candidate comments: “My priority is to get better value from the infrastructure we already have and to improve our transit system. That means maintaining roads properly, reducing costly construction delays, and focusing growth around existing investments like LRT. Expansion should follow when demand and affordability justify it. Edmontonians deserve reliable, well-kept roads.”

Mixed