In Baltimore, I reflect on urban redevelopment as both a beacon and battleground for housing equity, racial justice, and community resilience. Observing initiatives like Eager Park’s redevelopment, I draw parallels to British Columbia, highlighting the need for investments that advance affordable housing and address systemic inequities without displacing local communities.

This article captures a city planner’s journey through Stockholm, experiencing Sweden’s unique balance of urban design, social equity, and cultural principles. Through encounters with everyday city scenes, public spaces, and even Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, I explore how Sweden’s social policies, parental leave, and gender equity deeply influence its urban landscape.

Installment #13:
High-Tech Cycling Infrastructure

This article advocates for a more robust cycling infrastructure in British Columbia, highlighting the importance of promoting low-GHG transportation. Drawing inspiration from European cities, I explore both high-tech solutions — like Trondheim’s bike lift and Copenhagen’s Cycle Snake — and lower-cost alternatives like separated bike lanes.

Installment #16:
Recovery Planning in Puerto Rico

North America is struggling under a confluence of steep challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic; the legacy of systemic racism; and the climate crisis, including the massive forest fires along the west coast of the United States. Each threat compounds and complicates the others. I studied Puerto Rico for lessons to bring home to British Columbia.

Installment #15:
BC Views of Three Asian Cities

I studied three "Asian Tiger" cities and found that many of the solutions we dub "leading-edge" in Canada, including those we refer to as "alternative development standards," are just the ordinary course of business in parts of Asia.

Installment #14:
Portland

In this article, we head south to visit that great bastion of counterculture: Portland, Oregon. There are lessons we can pull from America’s “Most Bike-Friendly City” and “Top ‘Green’ City,” not to mention its “Best Beer Town.” Join me as I touch upon Portland’s greatest planning achievements and compare Portland’s initiatives to ones from across British Columbia.