ALEN BLANCO HERNANDEZ 2035
BRINGING POSITIVE
CHANGE TO OUR COMMUNITY
VISION &
PRIORITIES
We need to honor THE WISDOM OF NEIGHBORS AND THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. Resident power is central to Just Communities protocol, of which I strongly believe. Residents have the right and responsibility to organize- build relationships with each other and with decision makers in land use and development, and assert their knowledge, experience and values in decisions that impact their community.
Communities First
Shared Policy Priorities
• Being Responsible & Accountable to Citizens
• Running an Efficient & Effective City
• Getting Back to Basics
• Municipal Infrastructure
• Public Safety as a Fundamental Responsibility
• Smart & Respectful Growth
• Intergovernmental Relations
01
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Small business are the economic engines of Calgary. Innovation hubs and makers collectives are an integral part to a thriving local economy.
Property owners who improve their buildings should receive a small discount on property tax for a year. This work hires tradespeople and uses local products to improve the community and the local economy. On the other hand, slum landlords should be taxed higher due to the impact of lower community standards and the need for additional city services these often require.
02
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
I believe that all new builds must incorporate 20% affordable housing units.
Transitional housing is necessary but the current system has no checks and balances. The Municipal Development Plan must be followed to ensure that this type of housing is small in nature and equally spread throughout the city and not over saturated in one community.
An attainable homes initiative should be expanded to open up the housing market to lower income earning residents and bring them up economically.
03
COMMUNICATON & SAFETY
A number of city departments require an overhaul to ensure superior two way stakeholder engagement with the people they serve -community.
Convenience stores should not be allowed sell bladed weapons or bear spray. This increases the level of violence within the community.
Homeless initiative needs to pivot. We need to focus on outcomes not outputs.
Our police services are understaffed and morale is poor. More support is required to ensure safe streets.
MEET ALISON
Alison, an award-winning Executive Director with over 20 years of leadership, specializes in nonprofit management, placemaking, community economic development, social innovation, and cultural/media relations. She graduated from the Institute of Place Management (UK) and the University of Calgary.
She has extensive experience in urban renewal, stakeholder engagement, and city initiatives. As overseer of Calgary’s International Avenue Business Revitalization Zone, she manages land use, policy, media relations, and a board of directors, supporting 435 businesses and community members. Alison has led projects like the Around the World Food Tour, secured $176M for Calgary’s 17th Avenue SE redevelopment, and safeguarded $1.6M in public art funding. Notable initiatives include planting over 300 trees and orchestrating the Great Tree Move to save them from construction.
Alison founded organizations such as International Avenue Arts and Culture Community, 12 Communities Safety Initiative, Emerge Hub, Global Fest, and others, significantly contributing to community vibrancy and sustainability. She helped attract FUSE33 makerspace and the Alex Food Centre, and worked with the Calgary Vietnamese Community on the Journey to Freedom Park.
She advocates for local artists and has overseen the installation of over 55 public art pieces on 17th Avenue SE. Her efforts include reducing poverty via legislative work (Bill 51), fighting harmful land uses, and creating a social disorder task force that has helped 225 individuals leave street life. She utilized data analysis to identify patterns in social issues, guiding her community safety initiatives.
Earlier in her career, she managed pedestrian malls, initiated public art programs, and contributed to downtown vibrancy through flower baskets, patios, and lighting. She helped revive the Santa Claus parade and ensured the preservation of Calgary’s historic architecture, raising funds for homelessness initiatives. Alison is committed to transforming Calgary into a culturally rich, inclusive, and thriving city.
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THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT