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”

Biodiversity Finance for Cities

Download the one-pager here. Download the full report here. In early-2020, I wondered how financial markets could help achieve positive conservation outcomes. I worried about disappearing forests and animals. I approached my manager at Sustainalytics pitching an article about conservation finance. Global green bond issuances had come off another record-breaking year reaching USD 257.7 billionContinueContinue reading “Biodiversity Finance for Cities”

The time is ripe for ambition on parkland acquisition in Toronto

Cottonwood Flats, Toronto. Credit: Jean-François Obregón Download the “Time is Ripe” report here. This blog is cross-posted on the Prof. Nina-Marie Lister’s Ecological Design Lab website. “Amsterdam is known for its canals. Why can’t Toronto be known for its ravines?”, asks Philip Jessup, ex-Executive Director of The Atmospheric Fund. Many have sought refuge in parksContinueContinue reading “The time is ripe for ambition on parkland acquisition in Toronto”

Wealthsimple Recap

Credits: Jean-François Obregón, The Noun Project On January 12, 2021, I gave a lunch and learn session to Wealthsimple staff about my career and The Urban Hulk’s focus. My ambitions are to look at the intersection of responsible investment and urban planning. I spoke about how investors can address deforestation, coastal infrastructure and ecological resilience.ContinueContinue reading “Wealthsimple Recap”