Overview
The Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) was replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) in 2024-25. However, the delivery of the MSI program will continue until local governments have expended MSI funding allocated prior to 2024 and met all program reporting conditions.
Local governments with unspent 2023 Municipal Sustainability Initiative Operating funds are encouraged to submit their 2024 MSI Operating Statement of Funding and Expenditures (SFE) through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative Online (MSIO) system within the MAConnect (gov.ab.ca) grant portal. Once in MSIO, click on the MSI-Operating 2024 SFE link in the top right corner.
Any MSI Operating funding, including credit items, that remain unspent as of December 31, 2024, must be returned to the Government of Alberta. Additionally, Local Government Fiscal Framework Operating funding will not be provided until MSI Operating reporting is complete.
Funding
Local governments were allocated more than $15.2 billion while the MSI program was in place between 2007 and 2023. Communities have been able to build and rehabilitate:
- roadways and bridges
- water and wastewater systems
- public transit facilities
- recreation and sport facilities
- other key local priorities
View historical MSI capital and operating allocations by local government.
Accessing unspent MSI funding
Local governments will continue to access their unspent MSI funding including credit items through the existing Municipal Sustainability Initiative Online (MSIO) system. Any capital funding not spent within 5 years after the funding was allocated must be returned to the province.
Eligibility
Local governments with unspent MSI funding determine projects and activities to be funded based on local priorities within the general criteria set out in the program guidelines and are encouraged to take a long-term approach to planning for capital projects. Local governments may choose to contribute funds for use towards eligible MSI projects to other local governments, regional services commissions or non-profit organizations.
Eligible projects
A detailed list of eligible project activities is available in the MSI capital and/or operating guidelines located in the Program resources section.
Program resources
MSI capital and operating guidelines:
Additional resources:
- Municipal Sustainability Initiative Capital Program Guidelines Addendum – September 2023
- Overview of the Changes to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative Program Guidelines
Reporting
Annual Statements of Funding and Expenditures (SFEs) are due by May 1 of the following year until MSI funding has been fully expended.
MSI capital reporting
All MSI capital documentation, including MSI capital project applications and amendments, and capital SFEs, must be submitted through the MSIO system within MAConnect.
See the MSIO Capital SFE User Guide for additional information, or contact MSIO system support.
MSI operating reporting
Local governments with unspent MSI Operating funding can access the MSI Operating Portal through the MSIO system within MAConnect. Once in MSIO, click on the red MSI-Operating 2024 SFE link in the top right corner to access the portal.
To access the portal, login to the Alberta.ca account for your local government.
See the MSI Operating Portal User Guide for additional information. Contact Alberta.ca support for more help.
Request access to MSIO
To request access to MSIO or an MAConnect Stakeholder Agreement, or for MSIO support, contact us.
MSI IT system user guides
Grant recipients
Accepted projects by local government:
- MSI – Capital: Accepted Projects Report
- MSI – Operating: Report on Government-wide Objectives for Municipal Grant Funding
Contact
Connect with the programs:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
MSI program:
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: ma.msicapitalgrants@gov.ab.ca (MSI Capital Grants) or
ma.msioperatinggrants@gov.ab.ca (MSI Operating Grants)
MSIO support or to request a MAConnect Stakeholder Agreement:
Phone: 780-644-2413
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: msioaccess@gov.ab.ca
Communications questions or to discuss project recognition opportunities:
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: ma.msicapitalgrants@gov.ab.ca
General Grant and Education Property Tax information:
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: ma.geptbranch@gov.ab.ca
Alberta.ca account information:
Phone: 1‐844‐643‐2789
Email: alberta-ca.account@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://account.alberta.ca/ui/account/contact