Metropolitan Mindset: How Regional Governments can help Solve the Housing Crisis

Event Description

Experts have long observed that hyper-local decision-making means more exclusive, less equitable decisions. When only a small geographic area is considered, narrow interests are more likely to be overrepresented. One manifestation of this phenomenon is ‘NIMBYism’ — or the pernicious problem of ‘not in my backyard’ thinking — where neighbourhood residents may oppose supportive or other forms of low-income housing. Thinking regionally—a metropolitan mindset—can help us address  ‘wicked problems’ of the housing crisis in a more equitable way.

The Metro Vancouver area is home to almost two dozen municipalities and multiple Indigenous communities, which together comprise a population of approximately 2.6 million people. The epicenter of Canada's housing crisis, this region is by any measure deeply unaffordable. 

This event will explore the 'Metro Mindset' and how local governments in the Metro Vancouver region can be part of the solution to this crisis by thinking regionally. Engaging decisionmakers, scholars, and thought leaders, the event will feature a panel conversation with:

• Don Iveson, Chair of the Board of Directors, CMHC
• Gabriel Eidelman, Director, Urban Policy Lab, University of Toronto
• Alexandra Flynn, Director, Housing Research Collaborative, University of British Columbia
• Michael Epp, Director of Housing Planning and Development, Metro Vancouver
• Rebecca Bligh, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities; City Councillor, City of Vancouver
• Mary Pointe, Director, Indigenous Relations, YVR

Pizza and light refreshments will be provided.

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