Communities First (political party)

Communities First was founded in December 2024 by four independent councillors and was registered with Elections Calgary on February 18, 2025.^[5] The party was founded in response to the Alberta government's legalization of municipal political parties in Calgary and Edmonton ahead of the province's 2025 municipal elections; though several of their candidates criticized the introduction of parties to municipal politics, they expressed concern that incumbent councillors could be defeated by candidates from other parties if they did not form their own.^[1][6] The party intends to run a full slate of candidates for mayor and council.^[6] On March 31, 2025, councillor Sonya Sharp announced she would be running as the party's mayoral candidate.^[4]

Communities First's candidates have described it as a "non-party party" and "a caucus with like-minded individuals" that will not impose strict party discipline on its councillors.^[1] They have criticized city council as "dysfunctional" and failing to represent the views of constituents, promising to focus on community representation over ideology. Their priorities include government efficiency, a focus on basic responsibilities such as filling potholes and fixing roads, maintaining low taxes, and public safety.^[7][8][9] They are opposed to Calgary's blanket rezoning policy, instead favouring development policies that allow higher density while preserving community character.^[1]