Rural Municipalities of Alberta

Earlier this year, RMA launched the “Closing the Gap” infrastructure funding advocacy campaign. Over the last decade, the condition of rural road, bridge, and utility infrastructure has steadily declined due to chronic provincial underfunding and municipal budgets becoming increasingly constrained as a result of downloaded costs and services. Major industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, tourism, and emerging sectors such as data centres or nuclear developments depend on the reliability of rural roads, bridges, and utilities. Alberta’s competitiveness is linked to strategic, sustained provincial investment in this infrastructure. This final week of the campaign pulls together all the major issues explored throughout the campaign and presents RMA’s recommendations for Budget 2026 and beyond. To learn more and view RMA's recommendations: vist.ly/4qnb5

What is rural, really? This question is not necessarily simple to answer but it is a vitally important one. While wide open spaces and low population density are indeed characteristics of many rural areas, we lose so much context and understanding when those alone anchor our definition. In conjunction with our spring convention, RMA launched our new “Rural Is…” campaign that seeks to broaden the scope of the definition of what it means to be “rural.” We’ve focused our lens on seven key characteristics that we believe help define rural, including: local solutions, planning, perseverance, grit, foundation, connection, and resourcefulness. To learn more, visit our new campaign website: vist.ly/4vhx7 What does “rural” mean to you? Comment below or use the hashtag #RuralIs when posting your own content. View the campaign video on YouTube: vist.ly/4vhx5

That's a wrap for the RMA 2026 Spring Convention! Thank you to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, government representatives, and guests who joined us for another great gathering in Edmonton. Save the date for 2026 Fall Convention and Trade Show: November 2-5, 2026. We look forward to seeing you all again! #RMAlberta #RuralIs

The Ministerial Forums at RMA Conventions provide members with an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with sitting Ministers and ask questions on key issues. The first of two 75‑minute Ministerial Forums is underway on day two of the RMA 2026 Spring Convention. RMA thanks all Ministers who are taking the time to connect directly with members in this important forum. #RMAlberta #RuralIs

Our day two agenda is in full swing. We were grateful to have two federal representatives in attendance this morning to spend time speaking to RMA members, including Minister of Emergency Management & Community Resilience and Edmonton Centre MP, Hon. Eleanor Olszewski and Edmonton Gateway MP, Hon. Tim Uppal. This morning is a jam-packed one with an address from Government of Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, followed by two sessions of Ministerial Forums. View the full schedule on the Convention Mobile Site, sponsored by ServiceMaster: app.rmalberta.com #RMAlberta #RuralIs

It's down to business here at RMA 2026 Spring Convention: after a morning filled with engaging speakers, discussions, and workshops, the spring resolutions session is underway. Members will be debating fourteen member-sponsored resolutions. Resolutions play a major role in determining how RMA advocates on behalf of members. They provide formal guidance for RMA advocacy efforts by highlighting rural municipal issues with province-wide impacts. To view today's resolutions docket: vist.ly/4v9cn View the full schedule on the Convention Mobile Site, sponsored by ServiceMaster: app.rmalberta.com #RMAlberta #RuralIs

Premier of Alberta, Hon. Danielle Smith, is now fielding important questions from RMA Members at our Spring Convention after delivering opening remarks about the state of Alberta, current initiatives in the province, and the importance of rural collaboration and input into government. Yesterday's joint announcement on the Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS) is a key example of the results we can achieve when working collaboratively. We thank the Premier for her attendance and time to answer questions this morning. Learn more about the Property Tax Accountability Strategy announcement: vist.ly/4v7v4 View the full schedule on the Convention Mobile Site, sponsored by ServiceMaster: app.rmalberta.com #RMAlberta #RuralIs

First thing this morning, current RMA Board members joined RMA President Kara Westerlund on stage to help kick off RMA 2026 Spring Convention! A full program awaits attendees today, including: -Federation of Canadian Municipalities President, Tim Tierney -Keynote Speaker, Dr. David Coletto of Abacus Data -Government of Alberta Premier, Hon. Danielle Smith -A full session of member-sponsored resolutions... ...and much more! View the full schedule on the Convention Mobile Site, sponsored by ServiceMaster: app.rmalberta.com #RMAlberta #RuralIs

The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) and the Government of Alberta have jointly released the final report of the Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS). The report contains 17 recommendations that, taken together, will provide the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) clear authority and tools to take enforcement action against companies on the basis of unpaid taxes, treat unpaid taxes as a factor in evaluating broader industry and regulator performance, strengthen unpaid tax data collection and use, and enhance communication and collaboration between municipalities, the Government of Alberta, and the AER. To learn more and to read the final report: vist.ly/4v4f7

Rural municipalities rely on clear and timely communication from provincial ministries and quasi‑judicial agencies when decisions affect local planning and development. Resolution 2‑25F highlights several recent examples of communication gaps between ministries and agencies that create uncertainty, delay development, and reduce transparency in decision-making. The resolution calls on the Government of Alberta to implement a formal inter‑agency and inter‑ministry communications framework. Standardized notifications across government and regulators would support more consistent processes and improve coordination for municipalities. Learn more about Resolution 2‑25F: vist.ly/4uuzy

Job Alert: Our Policy & Advocacy team is growing again! In this Policy & Research Analyst role, RMA is looking for someone with strong research, writing and problem-solving skills to support important, ongoing advocacy work that touches on an ever-changing range of issues impacting rural Alberta. Learn more and apply: vist.ly/4utwg

Our “Meet the Board” carries on with District 1 Director, Kelly Christman. Living and working in rural southeast Alberta, Kelly has deep ties to the region where she raised her family and now enjoys watching her grandchildren grow. Kelly has worked in municipal government for more than 46 years, beginning her career in administration and social services before joining the @CountyofNewell, where she has served as Deputy Reeve for the past 13 years. She was elected as the RMA District 1 Director in 2025, bringing decades of experience in local government, regional collaboration, and community service to the provincial table. Within the RMA, Kelly serves on the Genesis Reciprocal Board of Directors and participates in the RMA Policy Review Committee. She also serves on the R.W. Hay Award Selection Committee, recognizing excellence in rural municipal administration across Alberta. Kelly also contributes to provincial work through several external roles. She serves on the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Committee, the @ABBlueCross Nominating Committee, and the @AmhsaComms Board of Directors. She also participates on Public Library and Municipal Excellence Awards committees within the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Learn more about Director Christman and the full RMA Board: vist.ly/4uf4u Learn more about Genesis Reciprocal: vist.ly/4uf4w

We are recognizing International Women’s Day by celebrating the three remarkable women currently serving on the RMA Board of Directors: Kelly Christman (District 1), Karen Rosvold (District 4), and President Kara Westerlund, the first woman elected to lead the association in its 116‑year history. On a day like this, we want to share reflections from these leaders for girls and women who may feel called to enter public service or municipal leadership one day. Kara encourages women to take the first step with confidence: “Jump in feet first and don’t hold back. If you are thinking about it, just do it. If one door closes, another will open.” Karen emphasizes preparation and community: “Find someone you can ask questions to. Ask about the role, the time commitment, and the good, the bad, and the ugly. Know your ‘why’ for getting involved and find your people across the province who can support you when the learning curve feels steep or when you need someone else who understands the work.” Kelly highlights learning, steady commitment, and also emphasizes support systems: “Do your homework before putting your name forward. Understand how governance works locally and provincially. Listen and learn, have patience and confidence, and rely on strong support systems. Values of honesty, reliability, trust, accountability, and patience will serve you well.” Today, RMA celebrates all the women who help strengthen rural leadership and serve communities across Alberta.

Municipal leaders know that crises, such as wildfires, floods, or other public safety concerns, will arise from time-to-time, often without notice. RMA Insurance understands that these situations can be extraordinarily stressful and complicated for our members to navigate. To assist, RMA Insurance has prepared a Crisis Management Package with resources and tools to assist our member municipalities in understanding insurance coverages and limitations in the event of a crisis. To read more and to learn how to access the package: vist.ly/4t2yr

Water infrastructure underpins community well being and Alberta’s economic engine, yet provincial investment still falls far short of what rural municipalities need. The Government of Alberta’s plan to nearly double Water for Life funding to $97.6 million in 2026 signals recognition of the issue, but the amount does not match the scale of rural deficits. Rural systems continue to age, fail, and outpace the level of investment required to keep them functional. RMA’s "Closing the Gap" report identified a $3 billion investment needed just to return Alberta’s water infrastructure to optimal operating levels, where operating costs remain manageable. Budget 2026 falls far below this benchmark. Resolution 9 25S continues a long history of RMA advocacy calling on the province to address deteriorating rural infrastructure with sustained, optimized investment. Until the province commits to closing this gap, today’s challenges will become larger and more expensive tomorrow. Read up on Resolution 9-25S: vist.ly/4twhn Revisit RMA's "Closing the Gap" campaign here: vist.ly/4twhj

Our “Meet the Board” series continues with Vice‑President Jason Schneider. Jason joined the RMA Board in 2020 as the Director for District 1 and was elected Vice‑President in 2025. Within the RMA, Jason serves on several internal committees, including federal advocacy, policy review, and the RMA Resolutions Committee, where he serves as Chair. He is also a Director for Genesis Reciprocal, part of the RMA’s group of business services. Jason's representation for rural Alberta extends through several external appointments, past and present. These include serving on the Local Authorities Pension Plan Sponsor Board, the Alberta Emergency Medical Services Provincial Advisory Committee, and Western Canada Municipal Associations. He also serves on the Public Advisory Group for the International St. Mary and Milk Rivers Study Board, part of the @IJCsharedwaters. Jason was first elected to @vulcancounty in 2013 and has served as Reeve since 2016. He operates a fourth‑generation grain farm with his family. Learn more about Jason and the full RMA Board: vist.ly/4tuxe Learn more about Genesis Reciprocal: vist.ly/4tuxh

Alberta runs on rural infrastructure – and it’s breaking down, fast. This is the warning at the heart of RMA’s "Closing the Gap" campaign. Spurred by Resolution 2 23F, the campaign highlighted that Alberta’s infrastructure deterioration is accelerating, driving exponentially higher repair and replacement costs. By 2026, the projected need to correct this decline is $20 billion. Budget 2026 provides less than $1 billion. Deferred maintenance doesn’t save money – it multiplies costs. As assets deteriorate, repairs become more expensive and municipalities are pushed into reactive, crisis-driven spending. The gap between need and investment is now measured in billions. RMA urges the Government of Alberta to address the growing rural infrastructure crisis and commit to meaningful, proactive investment. To learn more about Resolution 2-23S: vist.ly/4tmrh To learn more about the rural infrastructure deficit, view RMA's "Closing the Gap" campaign: vist.ly/4tmrf

Attention all insurance professionals: the RMA Insurance team is looking to add a Claims Adjuster (based in Northern Alberta) to its exceptional team. If this sounds like something for you, we want to hear from you! Or share this along to any rockstar adjusters in your network who may be on the lookout for a new opportunity. For full details: vist.ly/4tjze

Strong advocacy starts with strong local leaders. RMA’s Board is elected by members and reflects the experience, priorities, and challenges of rural municipalities across the province. We're launching a new "Meet the Board" series to introduce you to the stellar individuals leading the RMA. Kara Westerlund joined the RMA Board in 2017, served three terms as Vice President, and was elected President in 2024. She is the first female president in RMA’s 116-year history. In her role as President, Kara works tirelessly within various committee roles related to policy review, federal advocacy, and finance and audit, in addition to serving on the board of Genesis Reciprocal -- one of RMA's many business services. Externally, Kara serves on a number of boards and committees including, but definitely not limited to, @FCM_online , the Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS), @SafetyCodesAB, and the Alberta Emergency Services Advisory Committee. Kara grew up in rural Alberta, has deep 4-H ties, and has served @BrazeauCounty since 2010 and is now in her fifth term as a Councillor and Deputy Reeve. Her committee work for Brazeau County council has also been extensive and is further outlined in her biography on the RMA website. Learn more about Kara and the full RMA Board: vist.ly/4tgvv Learn more about Genesis Reciprocal: vist.ly/4tgvx

💻 WEBINAR REGISTRATION OPEN ➡ "Canoe and RMA Insurance - Delivering Value for Members" ➡ Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 2:00 - 3:30PM RMA President Kara Westerlund will be joined on this upcoming webinar by Craig Pettigrew, Chief Operating Officer and Tyler Hannemann, General Manager of @CanoeProcures for insights into the organization's competitive business services that provide further expertise and solutions for our members. RMA webinars are designed to help new members get up to speed on how the RMA operates and advocates on their behalf. They are also open to any members or senior administrators who wish to attend. To register and find details on all upcoming webinars, visit: vist.ly/4tfgd

The Government of Alberta is facing a challenging fiscal situation and Budget 2026 reflects a shifting economic environment. RMA has completed its initial analysis on how this budget impacts rural municipalities and highlights the key takeaways from this provincial budget. Read the full breakdown and analysis: vist.ly/4t7jn