Vancouver Mayor Proposes Bitcoin as Reserve Asset to Boost City's Financial Stability

November 27, 2024
Vancouver Mayor Proposes Bitcoin as Reserve Asset to Boost City's Financial Stability
  • Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has proposed a motion to adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset, aiming to preserve the city's purchasing power through diversification of financial resources.

  • The proposal, titled 'Preserving the city’s purchasing power through diversification of financial resources: Becoming a Bitcoin-friendly city,' is set to be formally introduced to the Vancouver City Council on December 11, 2024.

  • This initiative comes as Bitcoin's value has recently surged, with its price increasing by 1.48% to $94,944, contributing to significant monthly and yearly gains.

  • Support for Bitcoin as a reserve asset is gaining traction, with figures like former CFTC Chairman Christopher Giancarlo endorsing its potential to provide long-term financial stability.

  • The trend of governmental adoption of Bitcoin is growing, exemplified by El Salvador's decision to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, which has led to notable GDP growth.

  • Vancouver is positioning itself as a Bitcoin-friendly city, already leading North America in Bitcoin meetups and merchants per capita, as highlighted by local crypto entrepreneur Julian Figueroa.

  • Sim's motion may be influenced by broader discussions in the U.S. regarding the establishment of a Bitcoin reserve, particularly following the recent elections.

  • Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the proposal, it remains uncertain whether it will garner sufficient support within the Vancouver City Council due to potential concerns over cryptocurrency volatility.

  • The motion has sparked considerable interest within the crypto community, although it has not yet appeared on the Vancouver city government's website as of late November 2024.

  • This proposal marks a significant shift in Vancouver's approach to cryptocurrency, as the city had not committed to substantial pro-crypto policies until now.

  • Sim has a history of supporting cryptocurrency, having accepted crypto donations during his 2022 mayoral campaign, but he has not publicly focused on Bitcoin since taking office.

  • The initiative reflects a global trend of governments exploring Bitcoin as a viable asset, influenced by recent shifts in sentiment towards Bitcoin reserves.

Summary based on 9 sources


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