May 9, 2024
The City has launched a new
interactive dashboard to share progress towards achieving the goals set out in the
Economic Action Plan (EAP). This by-Edmonton, for-Edmonton data provides a holistic view of the local economy and lays out the actions to grow and diversify key sectors.
“Implementation of the EAP is a collaborative effort between the City, our economic development partners and the private sector to leverage our current resources and demonstrate results,” says Alisa Laliberte, Branch Manager of Economic Investment Services. “This dashboard allows us to clearly see our strengths and growth opportunities so we can help to set an intentional course for our economy, one where people with great ideas and skills stay and succeed.”
The dashboard includes a wide variety of information, such as employment and business counts, investment, tech talent and the economic impact of major events. Comparative data showcases Edmonton’s economy as growing, vibrant and inclusive. Highlights show that there was an increase of over 4,500 women entering the workforce, over 800 new businesses and over 500 events in public spaces.
Existing business owners can use this data to help plan for current needs and future growth, while policy makers and investors can draw on this information to help make informed business decisions.
“The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is excited for the launch of the City's Economic Action Plan Dashboard,” says Doug Griffiths, CEO and President of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. “By providing clear insights and actionable data, we're empowering entrepreneurs and decision-makers to navigate the complexities of our economy with confidence. Access to timely and quality data is crucial for business owners as they build a city we can work, play and thrive in. We look forward to collaborating closely with all orders of government, particularly the city, to attract investment and foster a competitive business environment in Edmonton.”
"Edmonton Unlimited, as the city's innovation agency, will utilize the Economic Action Plan dashboard to bolster our work as a catalyst and connector, providing vital resources for innovators at every step," says Dr. Launa Aspeslet, Interim CEO of Edmonton Unlimited. "Since May 2023, our downtown hub has been the epicenter of our operations, nurturing innovation through accelerators, community events and mission-aligned partnerships. Together with other economic development partners across the city, we're excited to harness Edmonton's strengths and passion, leveraging this resource to yield tangible outcomes such as job creation and a more robust, diverse economy."
The Economic Action Plan supports Edmonton’s move to a city of two million people and the action needed to support our population growth through 24 actions that fall under five key principles:
- We will support new and established businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in a new economy.
- We will maximize the potential of our existing land, assets and physical attributes.
- We will support growth and diversification of our economy in a sustainable and equitable way.
- We will remain and become a destination of choice for talent and capital.
- We will embrace and grow our relationships and partnerships.
The EAP supports the strategic direction set out in
The City Plan and
ConnectEdmonton. The dashboard currently contains data from 2021 and 2022 and will be updated twice a year to ensure timely and relevant data. Data from 2023 is expected to be updated in summer 2024.
