Greater downtown governance, DBA budget, and Adopted Capital Cash Flow on city council’s agenda

REPORTS:

Governance of Red Deer’s Greater Downtown Update

This report provides an overview of related work anticipated through 2026, including Ad Hoc Economic Development, the BIA levy budget, and the bylaw that calls the vote to disestablish the Business Improvement Area (BIA), Greater Downtown Community Collaboration Committee – all of which will influence the broader downtown environment.
This update is provided for information purposes as Council will also deliberate the Downtown Business Association 2026 budget.

Downtown Business Association’s 2026 Budget

City Council will consider the Downtown Business Association’s (DBA) proposed 2026 Budget, as required under the Municipal Government Act.
The DBA operates Red Deer’s Business Improvement Area and is responsible for preparing a balanced annual budget that outlines its planned revenues and expenditures.
For 2026, the DBA is proposing a 58 per cent reduction to the BIA levy and requesting a $450,000 Grant in Lieu from The City to support core operations during a period of transition for downtown governance.
As part of the statutory process, all businesses within the BIA were notified of the proposed levy change, and the budget is now being presented to Council for approval.

2025 Adopted Capital Cash Flow

The 2025 Adopted Capital Cash Flow Budget will come before Council for approval.
This is a required step under the Municipal Government Act and Public Sector Accounting Standards.
Unlike the full capital budget, which reflects the total cost of all approved multi-year projects, the capital cash flow budget outlines the portion of approved capital funding expected to be spent in 2025.
This year’s cash flow requirement is $137.6 million.
This approval does not authorize new spending; rather, it ensures accurate financial reporting and transparency by aligning The City’s budget presentation with legislative and accounting standards.

by City of Red Deer