Eight municipalities across the Calgary region have joined forces through Invest Greater Calgary (IGC), a new pilot initiative to attract investment, create jobs and cement the region’s place as North America’s most competitive business hub.
Hosted by Calgary Economic Development (CED), IGC brings together the City of Airdrie, City of Calgary, City of Chestermere, Town of Cochrane, Foothills County, Town of High River, Town of Okotoks and Rocky View County through a newly signed agreement.
“Invest Greater Calgary represents the future of economic development. This partnership shows the power of municipalities working as one to compete globally and act locally,” said Bonnie Nunnari, Interim Lead of the IGC Secretariat and Senior Director of Intelligence at Calgary Economic Development.
The initiative also aligns with Uplook: An Action Plan for Our Economy, Calgary’s long-term strategy to attract investment, create jobs and build economic resilience. It signals to the world that the Calgary region is ready for bold ideas and long-term growth.
A unified voice in a competitive world
In a time of global economic uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics and growing competition for business investment, IGC creates a stronger regional identity and a clearer value proposition for site selectors and investors. By speaking with one voice, municipalities can better position the region to attract global capital, support local industries and respond nimbly to trade disruptions.
The launch of IGC reflects growing momentum around regional collaborations taking shape around the world. By pooling expertise and aligning economic priorities, municipalities can strengthen their position to draw investment. This includes better positioning the region as an industrial hub, where shared infrastructure, talent pipelines and supply chains are essential to long-term success.
This three‑year pilot project will focus on regional collaboration to advance initiatives under four key areas: regional research and analysis, regional marketing and promotion, investor support and program development. Municipalities are working together on a comprehensive business plan and a regional study to sharpen the region’s value proposition.
Eight municipalities, one vision
IGC doesn’t replace local economic development — it strengthens it. Municipalities keep their own priorities while gaining shared data, regional marketing and broader investor reach. By collaborating instead of competing, they can pursue regionally significant opportunities and bring more investment home.
“By sharing data, aligning outreach and presenting a unified vision, we’re signaling to investors that the Calgary region is ready for bold ideas, major projects and long‑term investment,” said Nunnari.
Participating municipalities have committed to a shared annual contribution through a cost‑sharing formula that accounts for population and assessment value. Additional funding has also been secured through provincial and federal grants.
A dedicated secretariat, housed at CED, has been established to lead project development, coordinate operational support and advance initiatives across all focus areas. An Interim Lead is in place with a permanent Secretariat Lead to be named later this year.
With funding, governance and shared priorities in place, IGC marks a new chapter of regional cooperation — one that prioritizes collective growth over municipal boundaries.