Mayor Fawcett Delivers 2026 State of the City Address

Brandon, MB – Mayor Jeff Fawcett delivered his 2026 State of the City today, highlighting Brandon’s recent progress on growth, strong economic performance, public safety, and core services while outlining significant investments in the city’s future.

Speaking to business and community leaders at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Fawcett described Brandon as a growing prairie city with an expanding role in Manitoba and Canada’s economic future.  By focusing on economic development, workforce readiness, and infrastructure, Brandon continues to strengthen its role as a regional hub contributing to provincial and national prosperity.

Brandon is experiencing unprecedented growth, evolving into a city that its residents aspire to see and our region needs. Over the past four years, Mayor Fawcett has fostered collaborative partnerships, notably through the creation of Grow Brandon, a first-ever community-driven mechanism for economic development in Brandon. This initiative brings together all levels of government, academic institutions, Indigenous governments, and key organizations, aligning efforts to strengthen the city’s economy.

Mayor Fawcett also highlighted unprecedented growth at CFB Shilo as one of the most significant opportunities Brandon has seen in decades. With potential thousands of new military personnel expected in the coming years, Brandon is working closely with base leadership and community partners to prepare for increased housing demand, workforce needs, and service delivery.

“Military families bring talent, skills, and community spirit,” Mayor Fawcett said. “We want Brandon to be known across the country as the best place for military families to put down roots.”

Recent investments include enhanced policing resources, mental health crisis response teams, in-house paramedics at detention facilities, and preparations for body-worn cameras in 2026.

Housing remains a key focus, with more than 400 new units added recently and approximately $150 million in construction activity this year alone.

Private-sector confidence remains strong, with record highs in building permit values and hundreds of millions of dollars invested in commercial, industrial, and residential development since 2020.

Mayor Fawcett concluded his address by encouraging Brandon’s business and community leaders to embrace the opportunities ahead. 

“Brandon has embraced its role as a growing, vibrant, mid-sized city where people can raise a family in a safe environment with nothing but opportunity for their children. As a council we have embraced stewardship. We won’t kick the can down the road on challenges. We will confront them head on – now – and build the city we need for our children and grandchildren.” 

The full address will be available to view on the City of Brandon's YouTube channel.