#167 - Jesse Watson - Why Your Community Needs You More Than Ever

Jesse Watson is a former City of Edmonton real estate supervisor, small-business owner, and committed community advocate whose deep understanding of municipal systems and passion for civic engagement have made him a recognizable voice in local conversations about how Edmonton should grow, function, and take care of its people. His work continues to challenge the status quo by pushing for transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on community-driven change across the city.

When it comes to community building, Jesse believes the biggest barriers today come from red tape and bureaucratic processes that have replaced the simplicity of grassroots initiative. What used to be straightforward, like fundraising for a playground and building it together. Now involves approvals, RFPs, insurance requirements, and complex contracts that discourage community-led projects. He argues that residents and local businesses have increasingly stepped into roles the city once held, from addressing housing encampments to organizing safety patrols, creating a necessity for stronger partnerships at the neighbourhood level. In his view, removing unnecessary barriers and offering practical tools, like simplified permits, ready-to-use toolkits, and clear emergency response plans, would empower communities to bring people together more effectively.

On government accountability, Jesse emphasizes that rebuilding trust starts with the basics: transparent, dynamic dashboards that clearly show how public dollars are being spent. If residents can’t trust foundational reporting, he argues, it becomes impossible to trust higher-level decisions. He believes citizens must challenge the status quo instead of becoming apathetic or fearful, engaging in civic processes beyond the ballot box. From his experience inside city operations, accountability often slips around timelines, costs, and decision-making, reinforcing the need for more honest communication and structural reform.

When discussing history and heritage, Jesse insists that Edmonton’s identity is one of its most valuable assets. He notes that people travel the world to experience culture, so abandoning our own makes little sense. He believes modern development can coexist with heritage preservation when change is human-centered and contextual rather than driven purely by scale or profit. Not all neighbourhoods require drastic redevelopment, and many can evolve while still honouring what makes them meaningful. For him, places like Rossdale tell some of the city’s most powerful stories. rooted in Indigenous history, early settlement, and the layered identity Edmonton continues to build.

In conclusion, Jesse’s perspective ties together a clear message: Edmonton thrives when communities are empowered, government is transparent, and our history is treated as a foundation rather than an obstacle. His commitment to accountability, connection, and cultural preservation reflects a belief that meaningful change happens when everyday people are given the tools and the permission, to shape the city they call home.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!