Rotterdam Urban Lecture Series - Jane Jacobs

Introduction

Jane Jacobs’ idea that it is residents of a city who know best how to plan for its future is both enduring and powerful. That vision transformed two great world cities – New York and Toronto. David Miller, Mayor of Toronto from 2003 – 2010, was a friend of Jane’s and a believer in her vision. He will speak to Jane’s enduring legacy as seen in the streets of Toronto today, and how her ideas and writing influenced the city government’s actions during his tenure as Mayor.

David Miller

David Miller was Mayor of Toronto from 2003 to 2010 and Chair of the influential C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group from 2008 – 2010. Under his leadership, Toronto became widely admired internationally for its environmental leadership, economic strength and social integration. He is a leading advocate for the creation of sustainable urban economies, and a strong and forceful champion for the next generation of jobs through sustainability. David Miller currently serves as President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund – Canada, Canada’s foremost conservation organization. Mr. Miller has held a variety of public and private positions and university affiliations. He is currently an adjunct Professor at York University and a member of the Board of Directors for Centennial College. In his former capacity as Counsel, International Business & Sustainability at Aird & Berlis LLP, Mr. Miller advised companies and international organizations on issues surrounding the creation of sustainable urban economies. David Miller is a Harvard trained economist and professionally a lawyer. He and his wife, lawyer Jill Arthur, are the parents of two children.