Mayor Jeff Genung has officially kicked off his campaign to serve a third term, emphasizing managing the town’s rapid growth as his top priority.
Although Genung’s intention to run again was widely known, an Aug. 11 announcement marked the formal start of what he described as a “conversations and community-focused” election.
Genung’s re-election campaign is built around several key priorities: protecting Cochrane’s identity, strengthening infrastructure, supporting smart growth, and ensuring that key partners are at the table to help deliver the services and amenities residents expect from their municipality.
"It was no secret to anyone that I was running, but I wanted to make it official," said Genung in an interview yesterday.
"I want to get out there and start talking to people and have conversations about the upcoming election, and the main topic is continuing to manage growth."
He said for the last eight years, he's had almost daily conversations with residents urging a slowdown in growth. He points out it he wasn't part of the council that approved the growth (except Greystone and the Rolling Trails Area Redevelopment Plan), but is part of a council that is now attempting to address the challenges of those decisions.
In 2017, Genung's campaign catchline was "Time to take the town back."
"I'm running for mayor because I can no longer watch the things that I love about our community totally erode away," said Genung during his 2017 campaign."Cochrane is at risk, and if it's not managed in a more accountable manner, our community will be lost."
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This campaign doesn't stray too far from those same concerns.
Genung highlighted the strain rapid development has placed on local infrastructure and services, including schools, urgent care, highways, libraries and recreation centres. While he acknowledged progress in recent years, he stressed more work remains.
The mayor referred to Cochrane’s 10-year capital plan, which outlines about $1 billion in projects needed to keep pace with demand, from wastewater and water infrastructure to key community facilities such as the senior centre and the Big Hill Lodge. He also cited efforts to extend urgent care hours and ongoing advocacy for Highway 22 South expansion.
"We've made a dent in that over the past couple of years in catching up, but we need to do more work, and that's what I'm leaning into. That's really what I want to get done in the next term."
On funding, Genung expressed frustration over declining capital funding from the province.
Cochrane, at best, receives half of what it was provided 10-12 years ago when its population was hovering around 20,000.
Genung said we aren't the only municipality being asked to do more with less.
"The new Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) is not keeping pace with the needs of our growing communities," said Genung, who is also chair of Alberta Med-Sized Cities Mayors' Caucus.
"I've said it to the premier and the different ministers as they come and go through portfolios that we're not simply looking for a handout. We’re on the frontline of Alberta’s population growth. Yes, we need more trades and skilled labour, but we also have to balance the books. Our needs are enormous.”
He cited Airdrie’s recent $50-million provincial support for wastewater infrastructure as an example of the type of assistance Cochrane requires.
Genung previously served two terms as a councillor from 2001 to 2007 before a 10-year break. He was elected mayor in 2017 and ran unopposed in 2021.
He said the community’s response to his campaign has been enthusiastic, with volunteers ready to door knock and place signs. He expects to participate in election forums but has no other official events planned yet.
Morgan Nagel and Dean Hopkins have also declared their candidacies for mayor.
Nominations for town council and mayor will remain open until noon on Sept. 22.
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