8.4. Influential City Planners

Jane Jacobs was a significant figure in modern urban planning. She is best known for her strong advocacy for community-centered development. Unlike the large-scale urban renewal projects of her time, which often involved demolishing entire neighborhoods to make way for new developments, Jacobs believed in preserving the unique character of communities. She argued that cities should be designed around the needs and desires of the people who live there, rather than being shaped by distant planners or developers. Her ideas have had a lasting impact on how cities are planned today, emphasizing the importance of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods where people can live, work, and interact.  

Norm Krumholz introduced the concept of equity planning, which focuses on ensuring that city planning processes address the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged communities. Krumholz believed that urban planning should be used as a tool to promote social justice and reduce inequality. During his time as the Director of City Planning in Cleveland, Krumholz implemented policies that prioritized the needs of low-income residents, ensuring that they had a voice in the planning process. His work in Cleveland serves as a powerful example of how equity planning can be used to create more just and inclusive cities, where all residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Above: Norm Krumholz later taught as a professor at Cleveland State University.

Brent Toderian is a leading urban planner known for his innovative approaches to city planning. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Toderian has significantly influenced the city’s development, particularly in areas such as transportation policies, public spaces, and urban density. He advocates for creating walkable communities, enhancing public spaces, and implementing smart growth strategies. Through his consultancy, Toderian UrbanWorks, he continues to guide cities worldwide in developing vibrant, resilient, and people-centered urban environments. His work serves as a modern example of how city planning can improve the quality of life for urban residents.

Toni Griffin is a renowned urban planner, architect, and educator. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the realm of equitable and inclusive urban design. Griffin is the founder of Urban Planning and Design for the American City, where she has worked on major projects like the Detroit Future City plan, which focuses on the sustainable redevelopment of Detroit. Griffin is also a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where she directs the Just City Lab, a research platform that explores how design and planning can contribute to more just and equitable urban environments. Her work emphasizes the importance of considering social justice and community needs in the planning process, making her a leading figure in shaping the future of urban spaces.