The RMA has released a new resource to equip members with the tools necessary to begin understanding and advocating for changes to the Police Funding Model -

The Police Funding Model (PFM) was implemented in April 2020, when the Police Funding Regulation was introduced. The PFM redistributes responsibility for a portion of frontline policing costs from the Government of Alberta to municipalities that receive policing services through the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA).

The PFM is set to expire on March 31, 2026, following an extension of the regulation. Engagements related to the renewal of the regulation are expected to begin sometime this year, but there is no further information on if, how, or when these engagements may occur.

The PFM Member Resource is intended to prepare RMA members for future PFM engagements. It includes a detailed overview of the current formula and recommendations for how the PFM can be improved in the future, including that:

• The PFM formula must be changed to better serve rural municipalities
• Policing costs must be linked to increased service levels
• Policing costs must be linked to enhanced local input
• PFM reporting must be evidence-based
• The Municipal Government Act must be amended to designate the PFM levy as a requisition

In Fall 2024, RMA members completed a PFM survey and shared their insights to the impacts and perspectives of the PFM. To learn more about the findings of the survey, take a look at the What We Heard Report. 

RMA is dedicated to exploring the PFM's impact on rural municipalities and will continue to provide resources to members.