Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has launched his administration with a series of forceful actions, marking one of the most robust starts for a new mayor in the city's recent history. His early moves have focused on fiscal restraint, policy reversal, public safety, and a strong moral stance against antisemitism.
A New Fiscal Direction and Policy Reversal
One of Mayor Farkas's first significant achievements was establishing a property tax increase of just 1.6 per cent for the coming period. This figure is notably lower than the national inflation rate and dramatically undercuts the 3.6 per cent that city administration officials had argued was the bare minimum required to maintain services.
This decision breaks from the narrative of previous years, where councils, particularly under former Mayor Jyoti Gondek, maintained that significant tax hikes were unavoidable. In 2023, the increase reached 7.5 per cent. Farkas and council achieved the lower rate by strategically reallocating $50 million from the city's substantial investment fund, which was valued at $7 billion at the end of 2024.
In a major policy shift, the new council also voted 13-2 to begin reversing the contentious blanket rezoning policy enacted by the previous council. Farkas criticized the "one size fits all" approach, emphasizing his commitment to a community-informed strategy. "I work for Calgarians," he stated, expressing confidence that this change would not jeopardize federal housing funds.
Cracking Down on Crime and Disorder
Public safety is another cornerstone of the mayor's early agenda. Farkas has promised much stricter enforcement against open drug use and associated crime. He identified a core group of about 100 individuals believed to be responsible for a majority of repeat violent and property offenses.
"This may not be politically correct to say, but we need to crack down on these people. They need to be put in jail," Farkas said, advocating for zero tolerance while also acknowledging the need to address root causes.
A Pledge to Combat Antisemitism
Beyond fiscal and safety measures, Mayor Farkas has taken a powerful stand on social cohesion, specifically vowing to fight antisemitism. He participated in the 37th annual Calgary Community Menorah Lighting at City Hall on Monday, December 15, 2025, signaling a clear departure from the previous administration's stance.
He contrasted his actions with those of former Mayor Gondek, who notably refused to light the Hanukkah menorah candles at the city hall ceremony in 2023. Farkas has committed to ensuring the strict enforcement of existing laws against antisemitism, framing it as part of restoring genuine tolerance to the city.
A Defining Start for a New Era
Through swift action on taxes, zoning, crime, and social issues, Mayor Jeromy Farkas has quickly defined his tenure. By delivering on key campaign promises and taking unambiguous moral positions, he has set a tone of decisive leadership aimed at addressing both the practical and cultural concerns of Calgarians. His early momentum suggests a significant shift in the city's political and policy direction.
