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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.
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U.S. Economy Ends 2023 with Strong Job and Wage Growth


The U.S. economy added 312,000 jobs in December, beating analysts’ expectations and marking the biggest monthly gain since February. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9%, but for a positive reason: more people entered the labor force, looking for work.

The labor market also showed signs of strength in wage growth, which increased by 3.2% over the year, the fastest pace since 2009. This suggests that employers are competing for workers and offering higher pay to attract and retain them.

The strong job and wage numbers cap off a solid year for the U.S. economy, which grew by an estimated 3% in 2023, the highest rate since 2015. However, some challenges remain, such as the ongoing trade tensions with China, the partial government shutdown, and the volatility in the stock market.

The Federal Reserve, which raised interest rates four times in 2023, is expected to continue its gradual tightening of monetary policy in 2024, but may adjust its pace depending on the economic data and the market conditions.



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U.S. Job Growth Exceeds Expectations in December, Wages Rise Solidly

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy added 514,000 jobs in December, exceeding expectations. The unemployment rate fell to 3.9%. The report also showed that wages rose solidly, with average hourly earnings increasing by 0.5%. This is a positive sign for the U.S. economy, which has been recovering from the pandemic.

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