Building More Inclusive Cities for All
A great city is where both an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old can thrive.
That simple yet powerful idea is at the heart of 8 80 Cities, a Toronto-based nonprofit with a global impact. Founded by Gil Penalosa in 2007, the organization operates on a guiding principle: if a city is great for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old, it will be great for everyone. And today, I’m incredibly honoured to announce that I’m joining the Board of Directors of 8 80 Cities!
A Journey That Comes Full Circle
My connection to 8 80 Cities started in a seminar I was teaching at TU Delft. A student introduced me to the concept, and I was instantly drawn in. As someone who has long advocated for cities that prioritize the needs of non-Reference Man individuals—those who are often excluded from traditional urban planning—this approach really resonated with me.
Fast forward to my first few weeks in Toronto, I reached out to Amanda O’Rourke, Executive Director of 8 80 Cities, and she welcomed me with warmth and generosity. She met with me twice, invited me to the 8 80 office, and helped me feel at home in my new city. That generosity wasn’t just a personal kindness—it reflected the values of the organization.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to witness Amanda, Shannon, their Director of Programs and their team in action, most notably in Cooksville, collaborating with us at CP Planning to help build a more inclusive and equitable Peel Region. Their dedication to creating accessible, people-centered cities was inspiring, and now, I’m thrilled to officially join them in their mission through the Board.
A huge thank you to Gil for inviting me to be part of this incredible team!
8 80 Cities operates on a guiding principle: if a city is great for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old, it will be great for everyone. And today, I’m incredibly honoured to announce that I’m joining the Board of Directors!
The Ripple Effect
One of my favourite moments that highlights the power of 8 80 Cities happened at my children’s daycare. Amanda once gave me an 8 80 Cities tote bag, which sparked curiosity from one of my kids’ daycare carers. That curiosity led them to explore the organization’s work, reflect on spatial inequalities, and become an avid advocate for equitable cities. The movement keeps growing!
That’s how change happens—not just through policies or infrastructure, but through shifting mindsets. When we design cities with the most marginalized in mind, we create ripple effects that shape the way people see and engage with the built environment.
That’s how change happens—not just through policies or infrastructure, but through shifting mindsets. When we design cities with the most marginalized in mind, we create ripple effects that shape the way people see and engage with the built environment.
A Call to Action
8 80 Cities is more than just a think tank—it’s a catalyst for change. The organization works with communities and governments worldwide to challenge the status quo, spark action, and create healthier, more equitable cities.
If you’re passionate about reimagining our cities, here’s how you can get involved:
• Learn more about 8 80 Cities and their projects on their website.
• Reach out to Amanda and explore how you can contribute to, collaborate on a project, or fund this amazing work
• Join the conversation: How can we create cities that work for everyone?