The Mid-Size Cities Mayors' Caucus (MCMC) has a one-hour session today with Premier Danielle Smith to discuss sustainable funding and creating a stronger partnership.

Caucus chair Mayor Jeff Genung says they aren't simply going in search of a handout.

"Instead of asking her for another handout and sounding like every other community and association across the province, we're really going to focus on wanting to be a voice at the table," explains Mayor Genung. "We want them to utilize the Mid-Sized Cities Mayors' Caucus as a resource, for us to be in the discussion to solve the issues of creating a better Alberta for everyone."

He's hoping the result of the discussions in Leduc will lead to working closely with the Premier's office and Municipal Affairs on piloting better funding models.

"We're smaller cities, we're nimble and we'll be able to try that out for you. So use us as a resource."

The caucus and Alberta Municipalities have been advocating for more sustainable funding from the province.

Genung says the province is aggressively promoting Alberta as a place to live, and that adds even more pressure upon municipalities like Cochrane.

"They're promoting Alberta across the nation and to the rest of the world, and it's working. People are moving here, but we need some financial assistance to help keep ahead of the schools and all of the infrastructure requirements that come with a growing community."

Genung spoke briefly with Premier Smith at a recent luncheon in advance of today's meeting. 

"We need some help with our infrastructure," says Genung, speaking specifically about Cochrane.  "Our highways are overflowing, our schools are overflowing. We need another rec centre and a library."

He says it will be a long hard road for Cochrane without attention from the province, and we're not alone.

Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown expressed similar concerns about his city of 80,000 people during MCMC meetings here in March.

"We need capital infrastructure," said Brown in an interview. "We have literally a 10-year capital program that's close to $1 billion in Airdrie alone. That's a lot of reserves. That's a lot of capital infrastructure. That's a lot of expense, and we can't do it on our own. There's water lines, fire halls, recreation facilities, road maintenance, you name it, all kinds of different projects."

The caucus represents 24 small cities and larger towns in the province.