About

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The headshot of Emile K. Adin. She is wearing glasses with blue frames and smiling widely.
Hello,

I'm Emilie K. Adin

I'm a registered professional planner, Immediate Past-President of the Planning Institute of British Columbia, and an Adjunct Professor at Canada's University of British Columbia, within the School of Community and Regional Planning. I was recently recognized by Business in Vancouver Magazine as one of the 500 Most Influential Leaders in British Columbia. With 25 years of senior-level city-building under my belt and 35 years of zigzagging through European cities—on foot and ferry, by train and tram—I'm currently writing The Urban Curious Guide to Europe (working title). I’ve been writing about cities and "lessons to bring home" for over two decades, with recent bylines in The Globe and Mail, The Tyee, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Planetizen and Spacing. I live in Vancouver with my husband, children, and an unreasonable number of aquatic pets as well as a couple of mammals who would love to eat them.

Vision

My

To empower communities with innovative urban planning solutions through expert consultation and impactful storytelling.

Mission

My

To transform urban landscapes by providing progressive and creative planning strategies, engaging presentations, and inspiring stories.

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My

Values

Sustainability

Commitment to environmentally responsible and resource-efficient planning.


Innovation

Emphasis on creative, forward-thinking solutions that push against typical assumptions underpinning the planning profession.


Lifelong learning

Continual pursuit of knowledge and professional growth to stay at the forefront of the planning field.


Equity

Dedication to creating communities that are fully inclusive and accessible.


Community-cENTRED

Prioritizing the needs and voices of local communities in the planning process.


Authenticity

Staying true to my principles and delivering genuine, transparent solutions that reflect the unique needs and character of each community.


Impactful communication

Using clear and compelling communication to educate, inspire, and advocate for positive change.


Collaboration

Fostering partnerships and engaging with stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

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