Welcome to
My Urban Curious Blog:
Authoritative, Affectionate, and Occasionally Absurd
I have been writing about cities, urban design, and the quirks of how people live together for more than twenty-five years. Some of that writing has been technical, or professional. Some has been quirky, or heartfelt. Some has been—let’s be honest here—slightly absurd, usually after an unusually strong espresso.
A World Planning Congress That Was Out of This World
Feature Article,
Planetizen Magazine
I attended the 60th Anniversary World Planning Congress in Siena, Italy. This is my take on the city and the experience, spanning between the noble goals and successes of the conference, to the fault lines that have arisen in the International Society of Community and Regional Planning.
Dialogue on Housing Supply and Public Engagement
This article presents a dialogue between a city planner and an engagement specialist, emphasizing the need for empathy-driven dialogue, moving away from polarized "us vs. them" dynamics and superficial consultations. By fostering trust, relationships, and values-based discussions, the authors advocate for transforming public engagement to better address community needs and complex tradeoffs.
Soroptimist International of Vancouver Urban Land Institute’s BC Technical Assistance Program Final Report
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) regularly brings together ULI members and volunteers with diverse sets of knowledge to offer their time in support of providing strategic, unbiased advice to a non-profit organization or local government. I contributed to the presentation, recommendations, and final report.
Real Travel Experiences
Personal Essay,
The Globe and Mail
I seek — and find — a moment of authenticity in a sea of managed tourist experiences. Real travel experiences transcend any discomfort they may give us in the moment.