Urbanist-in-Residence

Urbanists-in-Residence are prominent influencers practicing in civil society, the arts, business, media or the public service. They are committed to community engagement and have a clear project focus aligned with the School of Cities. They can be nominated by a current member of the School of Cities community and, following the nomination process, nominations are reviewed by the Appointments Committee. 

Urbanists-in-Residence have the opportunity to contribute to the School of Cities community in the following ways:

  • Propose and lead programs, exhibitions, interventions, events and activities; 
  • Sit on the School of Cities External Advisory Board;
  • Contribute to the publications and knowledge products of the School of Cities; 
  • Work, meet and host on University of Toronto campus;
  • Attend events, roundtables, seminars, and symposia organized by the School of Cities;
  • Serve as a spokesperson for media and public speaking opportunities;
  • Provide mentorship to junior faculty, students and Early Career Urban Leaders;
  • Engage with students, staff, and faculty and receive support for research, capacity-building, outreach, event coordination and communications.

 

Meet our 2022 Urbanists-in-Residence Kofi Hope and Zahra Ebrahim
Nominations are not currently being accepted for Urbanist-in-Residence. Watch this space for updates in 2023.

Nomination Process 

Please complete and submit the nomination form. All nominations must be submitted electronically with uploads in the requested format (.pdf). 

Supporting Documentation Needed To Nominate

Please ensure you have all of the requisite documentation available in digital format prior to beginning the nomination process. Please note we only accept documents in .PDF form. Once you have compiled the required documentation, please fill out the Urbanist-in-Residence Nomination Form including: 

  • A personal statement (maximum 500 words) describing what makes the nominee an ideal candidate for Urbanist-in-Residence; 
  • A curriculum vitae, no more than 3 pages, including:
    • Record of experience and practice in civil society, the arts, business, media or the public service;
    • Portfolio with significant urban focus;
    • Experience and commitment to community engagement; 
    • Demonstration of influence and prominence on a national or global scale;
  • A brief outline (maximum 500 words), of proposed project focus and/or interest aligned with the School of Cities’ mission;
  • Name and contact information of nominee and nominator.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional questions? Contact us at outreach.sofc@utoronto.ca.

Candidates are nominated by a current member of the School of Cities community. Following the nomination process, nominations are reviewed by the Appointments Committee, comprised of members of the School of Cities Leadership Team, Advisory Council, former Canadian Urban Leader(s) and chaired by the Director.

 All appointments will be for a one-year term.

Nominations are due December 14, 2022, with decisions to be announced in early 2023.
Please ensure you have all of the requisite documentation available in digital format prior to beginning the nomination process. Please note we only accept documents in .PDF form. 
  • A personal statement (maximum 500 words) describing what makes the nominee an ideal candidate for Urbanist-in-Residence; 
  • A curriculum vitae, no more than 3 pages, including:
    • Record of experience and practice in civil society, the arts, business, media or the public service;
    • Portfolio with significant urban focus;
    • Experience and commitment to community engagement; 
    • Demonstration of influence and prominence on a national or global scale;
  • A brief outline (maximum 500 words), of proposed project focus and/or interest aligned with the School of Cities’ mission;
  • Name and contact information of nominee and nominator.

Candidates for Urbanist-in-Residence must be nominated by a member of the School of Cities community and have:

  • Experience practicing in civil society, the arts, business, media or the public service; 
  • Experience and commitment to community engagement;
  • A clear project focus and/or interest aligned with the School of Cities mission;
  • Influence and/or prominence on a national or global scale.
Nominators should consider the eligibility criteria for Canadian Urban Leader and decide which designation best suits the person(s) they wish to nominate. Nominators should proceed to nominate in the category that best fits the experience and proposed project focus of the nominee.
We encourage nominations from current members of the School of Cities community including Faculty Affiliates, students, staff and community partners. If you fit this description, and the eligibility criteria, you may self-nominate.
Funding of up to $15,000 CAD is available to cover expenses. Funding must be used for research, speaking-engagement and conference travel or travel to engage in activities at the University of Toronto. 
Yes. We encourage nominations from all who meet the eligibility criteria.
 All appointments will be for a one-year term with the possibility for renewal.

All nominations will be considered based on the eligibility requirements and articulation of clear project focus aligned with the School of Cities.

The School of Cities at the University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized pesons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.

Please email outreach.sofc@utoronto.ca with any questions or requests.