Urbanists-in-Residence

Following the application process, eligible candidates are reviewed by the Appointments Committee, comprised of members of the School of Cities Leadership Team, Advisory Council, and former Canadian Urban Leader(s), and chaired by the Director.

All appointments will be for a one-year term.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on January 26, 2026

Please ensure that you have all of the documentation available in digital format prior to beginning the nomination process. Please note that we only accept documents in .PDF form.

Please submit:

• A personal statement (maximum 500 words) describing what makes you an ideal candidate for Urbanist-in-Residence
• A curriculum vitae, no more than 3 pages, including:
  • Record of experience and practice in civil society, the arts, business, media, or the public service
  • Portfolio with significant urban focus
  • Experience and commitment to community engagement
  • Demonstration of influence and prominence on a national or global scale
• A brief outline (maximum 500 words) of your proposed project focus and/or interest, aligned with the School of Cities’ mission

Candidates for Urbanist-in-Residence must have:

• Experience practicing in civil society, the arts, business, media, or the public service
• Experience and commitment to community engagement
• A clear project focus and/or interest aligned with the School of Cities mission
• Influence and/or prominence on a national or global scale

Applicants should consider the eligibility criteria and decide which designation best suits their skills and experience. Applicants should submit in the category that best fits their experience and proposed project focus.

Funding of up to $15,000 CAD is available to cover expenses. Funding must be used for research, speaking engagement and/or conference travel, or travel to engage in activities at the University of Toronto.

Yes. We encourage applications from all who meet the eligibility criteria.

All appointments will be for a one-year term, with a possibility of renewal.

All applications will be considered based on the eligibility requirements and the articulation of a clear project focus, aligned with the School of Cities.

The School of Cities at the University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.

Please email outreach.sofc@utoronto.ca with any questions or requests.