The Century of Cities welcomes Enid Slack, Director of the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG) at the University of Toronto School of Cities to unpack Canadian cities' past, present, and future. From Toronto’s once-hailed two-tier system to today’s mounting financial pressures, she explores the structural challenges cities face, including aging infrastructure, climate change, housing shortages, and the fiscal fallout of remote work. With municipalities bearing the brunt while higher levels of government hold the purse strings, what is the path forward? Enid offers bold insights on new revenue models, rethinking regional governance, and lessons Canada can learn from cities worldwide.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we welcome Dan Hoornweg, Associate Professor at Ontario Tech University and former World Bank lead advisor on sustainable cities and climate change. Dan shares insights from his book, The Halftime Report, which explores 200 years of urbanization, from 1920 to 2120 and what lies ahead for cities worldwide. From the looming peak of global population in 2080 to the seismic shifts in migration patterns driven by climate change, Dan explains how Canada and other northern regions may emerge as key destinations in a rapidly changing world. He challenges us to rethink the role of cities, arguing that they have outlasted countries and will increasingly shape global governance. Dan explores what it will take to prepare for the next phase of urban evolution.

Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association (RPA), the nation’s oldest independent metropolitan research, planning, and advocacy organization, joins The Century of Cities to discuss New York’s transformation over the decades. He examines how suburbanization, economic downturns, major crises, and urban investments have shaped the city. From its near-collapse in the 1970s to its recovery after 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, and the challenges of COVID-19, he explains the key events that have influenced its growth and resilience. Tom looks ahead to the future of metropolitan regions, emphasizing the importance of regional governance, climate adaptation, and large-scale infrastructure investment. He discusses how congestion pricing, transit expansion, and housing reform will impact NYC by 2080. As cities worldwide navigate critical turning points, New York’s experience provides important lessons for the next century of urban development.

The Century of Cities welcomes Angélica Figueroa Valenzuela, an architect, urban planner, and leader in Chile’s public sector. She takes us inside the transformation of Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, cities shaped by economic crises, earthquakes, and bold urban innovations. From tackling housing shortages to building Latin America’s largest fleet of electric buses, Chile has shifted its urban focus toward governance, sustainability, and mobility. Distrito Co is at the forefront of this change; the groundbreaking initiative Angélica leads to revitalizing commercial districts through public-private collaboration. She explains how Chile, with its unique scale and strong urban policies, could set the standard for sustainable cities across Latin America.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we’re joined by Diana Rodríguez Franco, Special Advisor on Gender and Diversity at the Inter-American Development Bank and former Secretary for Women's Affairs in Bogotá. With nearly two decades of experience in gender equality and human rights, Diana has been at the forefront of rethinking urban spaces to serve women better. One of her most impactful contributions is Bogotá’s Care Blocks, a groundbreaking initiative that reimagines city infrastructure by centralizing essential services such as childcare, education, healthcare, and job training. By bringing these resources together in one place, Care Blocks free women from the time constraints of unpaid care work, opening up new opportunities for employment, education, and personal growth. Diana shares how designing cities with women in mind doesn’t just improve their lives; it fosters safer, more inclusive, and more equitable urban spaces for all. 

Alfonso Vegara, founder and honorary president of Fundación Metropoli and a global leader in urban and regional planning, joins The Century of Cities to share groundbreaking concepts like urban acupuncture, territorial diamonds, and polycentric cities shaping urban development's future. From Spain’s urban transformation post-dictatorship to pioneering sustainable projects in Latin America, Asia, and beyond, Alfonso highlights the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovative planning tools. He also discusses how cities can leverage their unique "components of excellence" to unlock opportunities and foster resilience. With his visionary approach, Alfonso inspires us to think beyond traditional boundaries to create economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable cities.

The Century of Cities welcomes Bárbara Pons Giner, CEO of Barcelona Regional and Commissioner of Strategic Projects and the 2030 Agenda of the Barcelona City Council. She takes us through Barcelona’s transformation from its pre-Olympic era to its future as a global leader in urban innovation. A city with a long history of pioneering urbanism, Barcelona is now facing the challenges of balancing its international appeal with local needs. Barbara shares how the city is tackling over-tourism, housing inequality, and climate change while leveraging its assets, like compact design and a vibrant civil society, to pave the way for a sustainable future. With initiatives like the superblock plan and metropolitan development strategies, Barcelona exemplifies how long-term vision and immediate action can coexist to create cities that thrive for generations.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, Geerte Udo, former CEO of amsterdam&partners, shares her insights on Amsterdam’s evolution and the challenges of creating a livable, lovable, and prosperous city. From the struggles of the 1980s to today’s strategic focus on quality over quantity, Geerte explains how Amsterdam transitioned from a struggling urban center to a thriving, innovative metropolis. She passionately advocates for integrated planning, community-driven visions, and creating cities that inspire through their identity and inclusivity. With her extensive experience in city branding and development, Geerte emphasizes the importance of leveraging a city's unique identity to drive sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

Idoia Postigo, Director General of Bilbao Metropoli-30, joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. Idoia takes us through Bilbao’s remarkable transformation. From the industrial collapse and environmental degradation of the 1980s to the city’s innovative and collaborative revitalization, she provides an insider’s perspective on the bold strategies that helped Bilbao rise again. Drawing on lessons from Bilbao’s regeneration, she emphasizes the need for collective dreaming, critical optimism, and a reimagining of urban values. Discover how public-private partnerships, strategic planning, and a shared vision have turned this Basque city into a global example of urban reinvention.

The Century of Cities welcomes Matti Bunzl, an author, anthropologist, and Director of the Wien Museum. Vienna’s story is one of dramatic contrasts; once a global cultural powerhouse, it faced decline after two world wars. It hit a low point in 1980 with a dwindling population and limited vibrancy. Matti sheds light on how Vienna reversed its fortunes, transforming into a magnet for international talent through its arts, education, and unique cultural identity. Today, the city boasts a thriving, diverse art scene and is a hub of creativity and innovation. Looking ahead to 2080, Matti shares a compelling vision for Vienna’s future. He discusses the challenges of migration, education, and urban planning while highlighting the city’s strengths in culture, diplomacy, and historical legacy.