Welcome to The Century of Cities, a captivating journey fueled by curiosity into humanity’s most profound transformation: urban evolution. By 2100, 10 billion p...
Tim Moonen - Urban Growth, Governance, and the Next 50 Years
The Century of Cities welcomes Tim Moonen, Co-Founder & Managing Director of The Business of Cities. Tim traces the profound shifts in urban life, from the 3,000 cities of 1980 to the 10,000 cities shaping today’s global economy. Cities have become highly intentional about positioning in a competitive world, adapting to economic globalization, sustainability pressures, and technological advances. Urban governance has moved from being overlooked to becoming a focal point of policy and investment, while businesses increasingly recognize cities as key partners in their success. Tim examines the factors that will define the next urbanization era, including climate adaptation, technological integration, and the evolving role of cities in national and global systems.
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35:38
Earl Blumenauer - How Portland Reshaped Urban Growth and Transit
In this episode of The Century of Cities, we welcome Congressman Earl Blumenauer (Retired), a lawyer, author, and politician who served as the U.S. representative for Oregon's 3rd congressional district from 1996 to January 2025. Portland’s bold approach to urban planning, transit, and sustainability has made it a global model for livability. Blumenauer has been at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for policies prioritizing public transportation, cycling, and innovative land use. He takes us from the 1980s to today, exploring how Portland resisted car-centric development, championed streetcars and cycling, and pioneered the nation’s first urban growth boundary. Looking ahead to 2080, Earl shares his vision for climate-resilient, people-focused cities and the role of federal leadership in shaping a more sustainable urban future. Please note: Our podcast interview was recorded prior to Representative Blumenauer's retirement.
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21:37
Uwe S. Brandes - Cities as Living Systems: Adaptation, Resilience, and the Future
Uwe S. Brandes, professor of the practice, faculty director of the Urban & Regional Planning Program and faculty director of the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, joins The Century of Cities to explore the forces shaping urbanization. From the rise of megacities to the impact of climate change, shifting economies, and the evolving role of universities in urban research, Uwe offers a rare long-view perspective on how cities adapt and thrive. Uwe shares insights into Washington, D.C.’s transformation, the global networks influencing urban development, and how cities rethink their built environment for a more resilient future.
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22:24
Enid Slack: The Fiscal Future of Canadian Cities
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.
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28:28
Dan Hoornweg: Climate, Migration, and the Century of Urbanization
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.
Welcome to The Century of Cities, a captivating journey fueled by curiosity into humanity’s most profound transformation: urban evolution. By 2100, 10 billion people will live in over 10,000 cities. What shape will that world take? This 100-episode series explores the forces driving this shift through illuminating interviews and compelling stories, revealing how cities can lead us toward a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.
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