Thank you for giving me a moment of your time. In our last Groundwork project we examined the state of the local economy. This time we are going a bit deeper, asking the question of how easy or hard it is for people to afford living in Edmonton.

We know the pandemic has put pressure on incomes, but rising costs have also emerged as a concern. For some households, it may be basics like food, fuel and utilities. For others, it's an inability to buy a home or start a company. For business owners, there may be no choice but to raise prices that cost them customers. Whatever it is, shrinking bank accounts are a challenge to the local economy but also obstruct our ability to enjoy life in Edmonton, especially if it forces cutbacks on things like restaurant meals, theatre tickets and vacations.

Politicians have had much to say on the cost of living, but we want to broaden the conversation. In particular, we are keenly interested in the experiences of those living with the effects of higher prices and tighter wallets. This is an invitation to help shape what questions we ask and what stories we tell.

The following questions are merely prompts. They are not intended to limit your response. When you answer, feel free to speak from the heart.

Read more about Groundwork at edmontonjournal.com/groundwork or email me directly: Keith Gerein, kgerein@postmedia.com. Thanks again for your participation.