In 2021, Steven Phan ran for Calgary City Council in Ward 12 — the community where he grew up and has lived for most of his life. His campaign, "Forward, Together," was built around direct, face-to-face engagement with constituents rather than mail-outs, reflecting his belief that local government works best when councillors actually show up.

Platform priorities

• Face-to-face constituent engagement — Steven rejected traditional mailers in favour of meeting Ward 12 residents directly.
• Support for local business — a focus on responsible spending that strengthens Ward 12's boutique shops and family-friendly amenities.
• Accountability on major infrastructure — Steven was a vocal critic of delays and cost overruns in the Green Line CTrain project.
• Responsible spending and safe communities — a platform focused on practical, fiscally accountable local government.

Background

Steven's path into public service grew out of years of community involvement and volunteering across Calgary. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Royal University and served as a Signal Operator in the Canadian Armed Forces — experiences that shaped his approach to service and accountability.

The October 2021 municipal election saw a competitive field of candidates across Calgary's wards. While Steven's Ward 12 run didn't result in a council seat, the campaign deepened his commitment to community organizing — work that continued in the years since, including his role helping coordinate the 2026 search effort for Parker and co-founding Indigo Alert Canada.