Why we endorse DJ
As a former City employee who authored Calgary’s Digital Strategy and also led strategy on the Corporate Cultural Transformation Project, DJ will be an engaged and active representative at City Hall.
About DJ
DJ Kelly is a dedicated community leader who lives and works in Ward 4 where he’s raising his family.
As Director of Community Partnerships at the University of Calgary, DJ has built impactful partnerships with many different community groups to improve the lives of Calgarians, such as TELUS Spark, Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Pride, Calgary Stampede and United Way of Calgary and Area.
We should spend tax dollars wisely and keep taxes affordable, but cutting services to hit an arbitrary tax target is is shortsighted. Calgarians expect safe streets, reliable transit, affordable housing, clean parks, and well-maintained infrastructure those aren’t luxuries, they’re the foundation of a liveable city.
– DJ Kelly
DJ’s qualifications include:
- Active in Ward 4 local schools and community groups
- Former City Hall employee who already knows how to get things done
- Proven leader with experience building partnerships that make Calgary better
DJ is the former Community Association President in Winston Heights-Mountview and has been recognized with local, national and international awards for his volunteer work. He’s led key municipal projects, championed transparency, and helped build Calgary’s reputation into a creative hub for arts and culture.
Ward 4 deserves a councillor who knows the city, lives the issues, and gets things done. That’s DJ Kelly.
Check out Ward 4
Ward 4 is home to Nose Hill Park. Created by the City of Calgary in 1980, it is the fourth-largest urban park in Canada.
Learn More
If you want to learn more about DJ and see where he stands on critical issues facing Calgarians today, check out DJ’s responses to our candidate survey:
I first ran in 2021 because neighbours asked me to step up when Ward 4 needed strong representation. Today, I’m running again because Calgary is at a turning point. We need councillors who listen, collaborate, and take action to build a city that works for everyone.
On housing affordability
Affordability means more than just building homes. It’s about building the right homes, in the right places, with the right supports. I will work to align zoning with actual housing needs, leverage city-owned land for affordable builds, and push for consistent investment from the province and federal government.
On public transportation:
I will do everything in my power to ensure North Calgary does not fall further behind. In the short term, I will fight for immediate improvements: more frequent service on high-demand routes, expanded MAX and on-demand transit options, and small upgrades that make a big difference – like signal priority and real-time arrival info. Transit equity is non-negotiable. Every Calgarian deserves a system that’s safe, reliable, and gets them where they need to go.
The Green Line must be a priority. It’s not just a transit project, it’s the most important city-building initiative in a generation. The Green Line will connect Calgarians to jobs, businesses, and opportunities while revitalizing neighbourhoods along its route – including several in Ward 4. We can’t afford any more political delays. Council needs to push back against provincial interference, secure stable funding from all levels of government, and move construction forward.
On climate planning:
Climate change isn’t a future problem; it’s here now. We need to act like it instead of undertaking performative motions. I support building climate resilience into every major city decision – from transit to housing to procurement. That means, enabling energy-efficient buildings, preserving natural assets, and supporting green infrastructure where appropriate. We also need to prepare for climate impacts, including flooding, drought, hail, and extreme heat, with strong adaptation and emergency response strategies.
On public services:
Public services are the backbone of a successful city. If a city is anything, it’s the services we rely on every day: transit, fire response, recreation, libraries, parks, and more. They connect us, keep us safe, and make Calgary a place people want to live.
Unlike the private sector which must prioritize profit, municipal services exist to deliver a social return on investment and public good. That’s why investing in strong public services isn’t just about fairness, it’s also smart economics. It keeps people working, supports neighbourhoods, and builds long-term value for Calgary.
Where to Find DJ
Pledge to vote for DJ
