Cities are the solution to our global problems, because they create a platform for people to come together and innovate solutions.
But urban change is hard, as it demands navigating divergent priorities, regulatory environments, and stakeholder interests. Big problems in cities cannot be solved by a single department, ministry, think tank or company. Leaders must work together across sectors and be open to new ideas, tools and tactics.
The nine-week, intimate, hands-on Leading Urban Change program will remind you that urban development doesn’t need to be a zero-sum game, and will help you shift from a scarcity mindset focused on deficits, to an abundance mindset based on leveraging assets. It will also teach you how to build soft power — to convene people and surface ideas that draw others to the table. We will approach leadership as stemming from aspiration and commitment, rather than position.
Leading Urban Change is a project accelerator. We encourage you to bring members of a team that is stuck in progressing a particular city-focused project or program – and we will work together to build skills and an approach that will eliminate your roadblocks.
Submit your application
The application deadline for our Spring 2024 offering has passed. Nevertheless, we are now accepting applications on a rolling basis for Fall 2024 and our future offerings. To submit your application for the Leading Urban Change program, please complete the form linked below and submit it. We will thoroughly review your application and reach out with any questions or next steps.
Structure of the program
Leading Urban Change adopts a project-based learning approach. Our experts will discuss how you can influence and shape the change you want to see, drawing from cases in across urban domains. In breakout sessions, you will interact as a cohort, learning from peers from across North America working on similar issues. “Homework” will consist of short reflections after each session, with time to report back the following week.
As a bonus, you will have individual access to our faculty via up to three office hour sessions offered in May and June.
Who will teach Leading Urban Change?
Karen Chapple, Director, School of Cities and Professor, Geography & Planning
Nouman Ashraf, Associate Professor, Rotman School of Management
Tiziana Casciaro, Professor, Rotman School of Management
Drew Fagan, former Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Richard Florida, University Professor, Rotman School of Management
Lisa Helps, former mayor of Victoria and Housing Solutions Advisor in the Premier’s Office
Chris Murray, former City Manager, City of Toronto
Enid Slack, Director, Institute on Municipal Finance & Governance
Matti Siemiatycki, Director, Infrastructure Institute and Professor, Geography & Planning
Dates & schedule
The program begins online the week of April 29, 2024, with a mandatory in-person day on May 14, 2024 on U of T’s St. George campus (along with a reception the night before). Online sessions (eight in total) will be two hours in length, with two before the in-person day and six afterward.
| Date/Time | Delivery Method | Speaker(s) | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 29 | Online | Karen Chapple | Introduction and key concepts; meeting your cohort |
| May 6 | Karen Chapple | Building the case for change | |
| May 13: 4-7 PM | In-person in Toronto | – | Reception |
| May 14 | |||
| 9-10 AM | In-person at U of T | Karen Chapple, Lisa Helps, Nouman Ashraf | Welcome |
| 10-11:30 AM | Tiziana Casciaro | Power, for all | |
| 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Richard Florida | Lunch | |
| 1:30-3:30 PM | Lisa Helps | Building soft power | |
| 3:30-5 PM | Nouman Ashraf | Emancipatory leadership | |
| 5-5:30 PM | Karen Chapple | Reflection and next steps | |
| May 23, 12-2 PM | Online | Matti Siemiatycki & Drew Fagan | Partnerships & silo-busting |
| May 28, 12-2 PM | Matti Siemiatycki & Drew Fagan | Partnerships & silo-busting | |
| June 5, 12-2 PM | Enid Slack | Fiscal logic | |
| June 10, 12-2 PM | Karen Chapple | Building a narrative with data | |
| June 19, 12-2 PM | Chris Murray | Implementation | |
| June 24, 12-2 PM | Karen Chapple & Nouman Ashraf | Conclusion and celebration (with optional presentations) | |
Participant and/or team profile
Leaders with a passion and curiosity for integrating across traditional silos to build and execute an urban change agenda, including:
- Mid- and senior-level city officials
- Public, private, or not-for-profit sector leaders working on an urban project, program, or portfolio; staff members in a position of influence or collaboration on an urban project
- We strongly recommend that all organizations be represented by a team of 2 or more. Teams should include participants working on different aspects of a project.
We welcome individuals and teams working in different urban domain areas, including (but not limited to): sustainability, housing, inclusive economic development, downtown recovery, transit-oriented communities, large-scale development, infrastructure, and municipal and regional governance.
Fees
Leading Urban Change costs $2,950 CAD + tax per person. We suggest a minimum of 2 persons per team (not including travel to/from and accommodation in Toronto)
The following discounts are available:
- 15% for registered non-profits & charitable organizations
- 15% for groups of two
- 25% for groups of three
- 40% for groups of four
More information from School of Cities
Feel free to contact us about fee and payment options, course content and applicability, or anything else: email us at communication.sofc@utoronto.ca