Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek: Municipal World’s Mayor of the Year

Local Government Awards

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek was chosen by Municipal World’s editorial team for her cool leadership during Calgary’s water emergency which began in June 2024. She has also been effective moving her agenda forward on issues such as downtown revitalization and creating safer streets. In addition, she was named as the new vice-president of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) – an international coalition of cities whose economies are directly tied to the energy sector.

“I believe that being a champion for Calgary is my greatest responsibility, as it should be for every mayor,” said Gondek, reacting to her award.

“My own journey brought me to this city where I discovered the opportunity, energy and resilience of Calgarians. This ultimately led me to public service. It’s now my mission to show the world what Calgary can achieve, and I remain committed to fostering the partnerships we need – with all levels of government and the private sector – to realize our fullest potential.”

View from Calgary

Gondek holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Calgary where she also taught. She became a member of the city’s planning commission in 2012 and was first elected to Calgary council in 2017. She was elected as mayor in 2021, becoming Calgary’s first-ever woman mayor. On Nov. 29, 2024, Gondek announced her intention to seek a second term in municipal elections to be held in October 2025.

Gondek’s selection as Mayor of the Year is being praised by people in the Calgary community.

“Cities thrive when communities thrive, and collaboration between industry and the municipality is fundamental in making that possible,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “Mayor Gondek personifies the spirit of that relationship. She is accessible and a willing catalyst in allowing dialogue to happen that leads to action and results through her own direct engagement.

Mayoral Support

Gondek’s selection also drew favourable notice from fellow mayors.

“I’ve been very grateful to work with Mayor Gondek,” said former Saskatoon mayor, Charlie Clark. “She has been a great collaborator with Saskatoon and other prairie cities to build a stronger common voice, especially on homelessness and Truth and Reconciliation.”

Clark noted that Gondek’s leadership was on full display last June when a large watermain broke affecting water usage in large parts of the Calgary. It drew national news coverage and Gondek was front and centre informing the public and urging restraint in water usage. Coincidentally, the watermain break occurred at the same time the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference was happening in Calgary.

“I had a front row seat watching her handle the first days of the feeder main crisis while graciously hosting the national FCM conference, and still having the time to make a powerful and impactful welcome speech,” Clark said. “I was in awe of the strength she showed through that. Mayor Gondek leads with this powerful combination of compassion and toughness that I have learned a lot from.”

See more with Mayor Jyoti Gondek in our cover interview in the January 2025 edition of Municipal World magazine.

✯ Municipal World Insider and Executive Members: You might also be interested in Greg Crone’s editorial: Ruptured watermain exposes Canada’s infrastructure deficit.

Greg Crone is Executive Editor with Municipal World.

 Related resource materials:

• Calgary latest to support voting rights for non-citizens
• Mayor Jyoti Gondek: Staying positive about Calgary’s future
• Forging a path for next generation of local government women