Several Calgary city councillors are calling for an independent review of the city’s administration, citing concerns about transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer value. The push comes amid growing frustration over what some councillors describe as a disconnection between elected officials and administrative operations.
“We need to take a hard look at how our administration functions,” said Councillor Sonya Sharp at Tuesday’s council meeting. “Calgarians deserve to know their tax dollars are being used effectively, and right now, I’m not convinced we can provide that assurance.”
The motion, co-sponsored by councillors Sharp, Dan McLean, and Andre Chabot, requests an external review focusing on organizational structure, decision-making processes, and operational efficiency within city departments.
This isn’t the first time Calgary’s municipal government has faced scrutiny over administrative functions. In 2019, the city undertook a similar review that identified $26 million in potential savings, though critics argue many recommendations were never fully implemented.
Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp has been particularly vocal about communication challenges between council and administration. “Too often, we’re finding out about major decisions after they’ve already been made,” she told reporters after the meeting. “That’s not how representative government should work.”
The administration, led by City Manager David Duckworth, has expressed openness to the review but cautioned against unrealistic expectations. “Reviews can be valuable tools for improvement,” Duckworth noted in a statement. “However, we need to be mindful of the significant time and resources these processes require.”
Mayor Jyoti Gondek has taken a measured stance, acknowledging concerns while defending the administration’s overall performance. “There’s always room for improvement in any organization,” Gondek said. “But I also believe our city staff work exceptionally hard to serve Calgarians every day.”
The push for review comes as Calgary faces ongoing financial pressures, with property tax increases and infrastructure challenges straining the city’s budget. Several councillors pointed to recent controversies, including delays in major projects and questions about procurement processes, as evidence that closer scrutiny is needed.
“We’ve heard from countless Calgarians who feel disconnected from decisions made at City Hall,” said Councillor Dan McLean. “This review isn’t about placing blame—it’s about ensuring we have the most effective, responsive government possible.”
The motion calls for an independent third party to conduct the review, with an estimated cost between $500,000 and $750,000. Some councillors questioned the expense, suggesting internal mechanisms might accomplish similar goals.
Councillor Courtney Walcott expressed concern about the review’s timing and scope. “We need to be clear about what we’re trying to achieve,” Walcott said during deliberations. “If we’re spending taxpayer money on this review, we need specific, actionable outcomes.”
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has tentatively supported the initiative. “Businesses want certainty and efficiency from their local government,” said Chamber President Deborah Yedlin. “If this review helps streamline processes and improves service delivery, it could benefit the entire community.”
The administration review motion will return to council next month with a more detailed proposal, including specific terms of reference and timeline. If approved, the review would likely take 8-12 months to complete.
For many Calgarians watching from the sidelines, the debate reflects broader questions about municipal governance and accountability. Recent polling by ThinkHQ Public Affairs suggests public confidence in city management has declined, with 58% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with current decision-making processes.
The city’s last major organizational assessment in 2019, known as the “Solutions for Achieving Value and Excellence” (SAVE) program, identified numerous opportunities for streamlining operations. However, implementation of those recommendations has been inconsistent, according to several council members.
“We can’t just keep commissioning studies that gather dust,” noted Councillor Andre Chabot. “This time, we need commitment to real action based on what we learn.”
As the debate continues, many observers note that finding the right balance between political oversight and administrative independence remains a challenge for municipalities across Canada. The coming weeks will determine whether Calgary embarks on yet another institutional self-examination—and more importantly, whether it leads to meaningful change.
