hink of cities and the first things that come to mind are physical buildings, adjoined by a network of roads. Or maybe for some, cities elicit thoughts of industry or how the aesthetic tastes of the day are represented, or how the surrounding environment plays a part in creating this unique, bustling and dynamic interplay called “The City.” Concrete and tangible descriptions of cities are one thing, but beneath them lay another reality much harder to describe – yet is the common thread that links all the above – and that is People. Cities are made up of People. Cities are where vast numbers of people live in close proximity and enjoy nuanced, personal and individual events that have a profound influence on each other, because of this nearness. These events – such as the way people interact with each other, their issues of concern and their personal victories and defeats – become elucidated over time and through shared experience; and result in patterns that can be assessed, interpreted and projected into a framework for understanding future “people events.” Examining these patterns is what The City of Calgary’s Social Outlook, 2009-2014 is all about. It’s a comprehensive and detailed compilation of these “people events” which, through the use of timely local data, provide a snapshot for readers of what Calgary is all about, what are its opportunities and challenges, and where it is going from here as a relatively young and vibrant city. In 2004, The City of Calgary adopted a “Triple Bottom Line” (TBL) approach to decision-making, to enhance Calgary’s longterm sustainability by ensuring that social, economic and environmental considerations are taken into account in all City planning and decision-making. This report focuses on the social dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line policy framework. Currently, there are five social themes within the framework. These five themes are: 1. an Inclusive City, 2. a Cultural City, 3. an Active City, 4. a Safe City, 5. a City of Strong Neighbourhoods. The Socio-Economic Outlook is a five-year forecast aimed at assisting readers to understand and adapt to change inside and outside of Calgary, provides valuable assistance for planning/budgeting at both City and community levels and is a vital preparatory series that supports City Council during its budget adjustment process. It also helps inform Council on decisions that impact the local community. It fills an important information gap, as no other publication produced internally or externally at The City of Calgary provides such a thorough analysis of our local economy and society.