There are many issues facing Calgary as we grow. We believe the following six are the most important for this city:

Ending urban sprawl. The growth patterns we see in Calgary are not natural evolution; it's because of the choices we have made that 80% of Calgary neighbourhoods lost population in 2005, a year of incredible growth. We have chosen to subsidize new homes on the outskirts of the city, while making it difficult to redevelop inner-city and existing suburban neighbourhoods. We need to ask ourselves why bureaucrats measure the height difference between a "deck" and a "patio" for home renovators while we pay almost full freight for the infrastructure needed in new areas.

Renewing our focus on public transit. Everyone who has studied the issue comes to the same conclusion: new roads create traffic, they don't remove congestion. Transit, on the other hand, is the answer to so many of the issues that big cities face: congestion, pollution, social isolation. We have to work hard to make it the best possible choice, not the choice for those who have no other choice.

Fighting urban poverty and homelessness. While big cities have inequities in income almost by definition, homelessness is not inevitable. How is it that Calgary, with its sometimes-brutal winters, has far more homeless people per capita than Vancouver?

Building vibrant, mixed communities. Arts and culture really matter -- even if people never go to the ballet, they want to live in a city with a ballet. Cities need an urban vibe, attractive and attracting public spaces, and neighbourhoods that are welcoming, safe, and mixed by income, ethnicity, and age.

Stewarding our air, land, and water. We need to protect our natural environment by taking big steps now. Why are we 20 years behind other cities in providing curbside recycling? Why don't we require dual-flush toilets in all new construction? Why is it so hard to build a green roof? Why can't Council take the environmental leadership we need?

Making the political system work for people. Our arcane campaign finance laws ensure that incumbents have a huge political advantage, and that monied interests think they can buy and pay for politicians. Sometimes this is overt - city unions making five-figure donations to aldermanic candidates - and sometimes more subtle - when 90%+ of all donations are made by the development industry and its allies, it's easy to see how the entire system becomes subverted. We need systemic political reform, starting with the campaign finance scheme.

More information on all of these issues can be found on our "Publications" page, where we post our op-ed columns and policy briefs. We're always working on more, so stop by often.

Please note that we are always looking for talented volunteers to become involved. If you wish to help please click here.

Also be sure to check out our blog for the latest articles and postings.