Dan Nielsen is a born and raised Edmontonian and a graduate of the University of Alberta Political Science Department with more than 16 years of experience in municipal government, primarily with the City of Edmonton. His work has included extensive collaboration with urban and rural municipalities across Canada, the United States and internationally. Dan spent over 13 years working at Edmonton’s City Hall, including more than eight years in the Mayor’s Office, where he served as a senior advisor across three mayoral administrations. His work in City Hall has supported the development and implementation of municipal climate policy, including efforts to advance intergovernmental collaboration and long-term sustainability planning.

Outside of work, Dan is actively involved in the community, serving on boards for not-for-profit arts and sports organizations, including leading a local social support group for Young Adult Cancer Canada. For better or worse, Dan is a lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan and is also an enthusiastic supporter of the growing baseball community in the Edmonton region. Recently, Dan and his partner adopted a Miniature Schnauzer named Wallace (Wally), who is widely regarded as the sweetest dog in the world.