Calgary’s newly elected mayor, Jeromy Farkas, wasted no time signalling a dramatic shift in tone at City Hall. With the firm declaration “Just watch me,” Farkas positioned himself as a decisive, action-driven leader prepared to confront long-standing issues surrounding spending, taxation, and public safety in Canada’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.

One of Farkas’s top priorities is restoring fiscal discipline. His early statements make it clear that the city’s budget will undergo a sharp review to eliminate wasteful spending and redirect resources toward core services that residents consistently demand. Under his leadership, financial management will favor transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

On the urban planning front, Farkas expressed serious concerns about the city’s blanket rezoning strategy, describing it as a policy that disproportionately benefits large developers while overlooking the character and needs of existing neighbourhoods. He emphasized that future development decisions must be shaped by meaningful public engagement rather than broad, city-wide mandates.

Public safety stands as another central pillar of his agenda. Farkas has indicated that any increase in municipal spending will be channelled toward expanding the police force and strengthening on-the-ground presence in communities facing rising crime rates. For him, “community safety is the foundation of a thriving city.”

Regarding property taxes, the mayor aims to soften the anticipated increase while improving transparency. One of his proposals involves issuing split tax bills that clearly separate municipal charges from provincial ones - a move designed to help residents better understand where their money goes and who is responsible for each portion.

Closing his remarks, Farkas urged the public to judge his leadership based on measurable outcomes rather than political rhetoric:

“I’ve always fought for what I promised, and that won’t change. Calgary deserves leadership that delivers real results.”

With this assertive start, Farkas is setting the stage for a transformative period in Calgary - one defined by fiscal responsibility, community-driven development, and a renewed commitment to public safety.