The School of Cities is pleased to announce that Karen Chapple has been reappointed for a second term as director.
An internationally recognized urban planning scholar, Professor Chapple has served as director of the School of Cities since 2021, guiding its growth as a leading hub for interdisciplinary urban research, education, and engagement at the University of Toronto (U of T). She is also a professor in U of T’s Department of Geography & Planning, cross-appointed to the Faculty of Information, and Professor Emerita of City & Regional Planning at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research expertise ranges from issues of inequality, housing, economic development, and the use of data to better understand urban change.
During her first term, the School of Cities has expanded its research portfolio, strengthened partnerships across the university and with external collaborators, and increased its impact on urban policy and public discourse. Under her leadership, the school has continued to advance its mission of bringing together diverse expertise to address the complex challenges facing cities and communities in Canada and globally.
The renewal of her appointment reflects the strong momentum of the school and its growing role in shaping conversations on housing affordability, climate resilience, inclusive growth, and urban data. Professor Chapple will build on this work by deepening the school’s international partnerships, strengthening connections between research and practice, and supporting the next generation of urban scholars and practitioners.
“I’m so pleased to be staying on at the School of Cities and U of T. My first term was an exciting time of growth – in this second term I hope to work with the talented and committed staff to consolidate our contributions to the people and places impacted by the many challenges and opportunities faced by cities,” Chapple said.
The School of Cities community looks forward to her continued leadership in advancing innovative, collaborative, evidence-based, and impactful urban change.
