What started as a simple school assignment has turned into more than a decade of public service for Cochrane councillor Morgan Nagel and now, it may lead to the mayor’s chair.
Nagel was just 17 years old when a job-shadowing assignment at Bow Valley High School set him on a political path. At the time, unsure of what he wanted to do with his future, he chose then-mayor Truper McBride as his subject.
“One of my friends and I met with him,” Nagel recalled. “We spent the day following him around in meetings, and then we just talked about politics the rest of the day.”
That day offered Nagel his first glimpse into municipal government, from Cochrane’s development and tax structure to emergency services like the RCMP and Fire Department.
“I just thought that guy had the most fun and fulfilling job in the world,” he said. “I really took an interest in civic leadership and politics and government from that point on.”
Nagel went on to study economics at the University of Calgary with a specific goal: to work in government. During his university years, he landed a summer position with the Conservative Party of Canada, gaining federal experience while ultimately setting his sights back home.
“I came up with the idea to come home and run for council,” he said.
At age 23, Nagel became one of the youngest councillors in Cochrane’s history. He has gone on on to serve three terms, with a focus on protecting Cochrane’s small-town feel amid rapid growth.
“I’ve always been a small-town guy from a small-town family, and I have a real appreciation for tight-knit communities,” he said. “The number one thing that motivated me was to protect Cochrane and keep it a small, friendly community.”
But after more than a decade in local politics, Nagel now says it’s time for change at the top. On June 12, he announced his intention to run for mayor.
“I’ve been considering this for several months, and last night’s public hearing about the rec centre takeover was just the tipping point for me,” he said in a Facebook post.
Nagel’s campaign will focus on three main priorities:
1. Managing Growth
Nagel believes Cochrane’s rapid expansion needs to be reined in to ensure sustainable development. His plan includes:
- Setting an annual population growth target of 2–3%
- Allocating portions of future development approvals to urban reserves
- Reducing density targets to six to eight units per acre
“I think talk is cheap,” Nagel noted. “It’s time for the Town of Cochrane to actually advocate and ask for real policies that will curb growth.”
2. Protecting Green Spaces
Motivated by his own upbringing in Cochrane, Nagel wants future generations to enjoy the same outdoor spaces that shaped his youth.
“I used to spend so much time with friends at Cochrane’s parks and I still go there today,” he said. “I want other people who live here now to have that same opportunity.”
3. Reshaping Civic Leadership
Nagel says local government has drifted from the effectiveness of his first term. He wants to reform the leadership culture at Town Hall.
“There’s a real need for change in how the Town is led; to empower council, set clear expectations for administration, and deliver results,” he said. “The current priorities of council aren’t being executed.”
As of July 21, Nagel’s name has not yet appeared on the official ballot. His campaign website, votenagel.ca, is expected to go live alongside his formal nomination.
