This is an account of my trip in 2016. Medellín has many things to attract foreign tourists: a unique transit system, friendly people and a warm climate. I visited Colombia’s second-largest city in 2016. I went there to give an ESG workshop. When I read about how this city’s urbanism was capturing the imagination ofContinueContinue reading “Medellín”
Tag Archives: cities
Automated Speed Enforcement in Vaughan
Below is a letter that I sent to City of Vaughan Members of Council for the June 24, 2025 Council meeting as a communication for Item 15. Automated Speed Enforcement Update. Dear Members of Council, I am providing my support for the continuation of the Automated Speed Enforcement program in Vaughan. ASE saves lives andContinueContinue reading “Automated Speed Enforcement in Vaughan”
Detroit Is
Lots has been written about Detroit’s “comeback” in recent years. After years of economic decline, the city saw a boost of investment after the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Urbanists have flocked to document what a post-industrial economic revival can look like. I made the trip in spring 2019 to see what the fuss was about. InitialContinueContinue reading “Detroit Is”
The Urban Hulk’s focus
I am focused on the intersection of urban planning and sustainable finance. I am interested in the finding the win-wins for innovative urban projects (e.g. parks and transit) that are currently lacking funding. Novel models can help to make them happen. This is where the potential lies. In my career as an ESG Analyst atContinueContinue reading “The Urban Hulk’s focus”
Vaughan’s first edible food forest
Saying something matters. In January 2023, I made a deputation at the City of Vaughan’s budget committee outlining numerous concerns, including the need for more trees to be planted in my neighbourhood. When I was first told by urban forestry staff a few weeks later that a food forest was being considered in Vaughan, IContinueContinue reading “Vaughan’s first edible food forest”
Letter to City of Vaughan Council re: Municipal Housing Pledge – March 7, 2023
This letter was submitted to the City of Vaughan’s Committee of the Whole meeting on March 8, 2023, Item #13. For more on the Missing Middle, read my blog post from January 30, 2023. Implementing the province’s housing pledge must emphasize development that does not encourage sprawl, which would risk placing future financial pressure onContinueContinue reading “Letter to City of Vaughan Council re: Municipal Housing Pledge – March 7, 2023”
Imagining The Missing Middle In Vaughan
By: Jean-François Obregón January 30, 2023 Cities like my hometown Vaughan, Ontario, Canada are defined by single-detached homes with backyards. An increase in condominium construction in recent years has changed the skyline but, there is little in-between. Many young people move to exurban municipalities because that is where they can afford a house. Given aContinueContinue reading “Imagining The Missing Middle In Vaughan”
