2020 has certainly been a tremendous period of transition and change. Across the globe, we have weathered changing economic conditions and upheaval from a pandemic. In 2020, economic development has required more resilience and perseverance than ever before.
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) has taken action on many of these challenges on behalf of the municipalities we represent: the summer villages, villages, towns, cities and specialized municipalities where 85 percent of Albertans live. Alberta municipalities are united in advocating for the need for economic recovery, infrastructure investment and resilient, innovative approaches. Local economic development is, simply put, economic development, and that there can be no economic recovery without strong municipalities and local businesses.
Our advocacy, educational resources and initiatives in response to the problems, challenges and opportunities that are impacting our members are but one piece of the puzzle. Our Economic Resiliency and Recovery Task Force is tackling several ways to increase local economic development capacity, including finding solutions for greater broadband internet coverage in our province and supporting shop local and e-commerce solutions for local businesses.
But we need your collaboration. As you read the articles of Invest in Alberta / Xperience Alberta, you will see the many strengths of communities in our province. Whether you are looking for proximity to post-secondary institutions, advanced manufacturing expertise or access to a highly specialized labour pool, there is a community in Alberta eager to partner with you.
We remain committed to advocating for our members to other orders of government to emphasize how critical local economic development is to the success of our province and country.
If our communities are going to grow and thrive, it is going to mean working together, collaborating with local governments and private industry to achieve common goals. We look forward to sharing in brighter times ahead and building strong communities, and a stronger Alberta.
