Brent Toderian

Brent Toderian, the former chief planner of Vancouver, shares his extensive experience shaping urban environments globally. He discusses the importance of merging data with storytelling to advocate for better city planning. Brent highlights the need for planners to engage confidently with skeptics and emphasizes tailored communication for different urban contexts. He warns against half-measures in urban interventions and outlines five key steps to improve cities. Ultimately, Brent believes transforming public discourse is essential for enacting real change.

Brent Toderian, veteran city planner who led Vancouver’s transformation, talks about making downtowns liveable for families. He describes Vancouver’s urban Costco, waterfront vibrancy, and the role of transit over freeways. He explains the ‘urban contract’ of housing plus amenities, why regulation helps developers, and launches the Urban Truth Collective to fight city disinformation.

Brent Toderian, a leading Canadian urbanist, has influenced the future of sustainable city planning for decades. In this discussion, he emphasizes the critical role of urban development in achieving climate goals, especially with the upcoming COP30 summit. Toderian breaks down the innovative '15-minute city' concept, debunking myths and advocating for accessible neighborhoods. He also stresses the importance of civic engagement in local climate action, urging citizens to hold politicians accountable during elections for a prosperous, climate-smart future.