Role: Canadian Urban Institute Board Member
Location: Hybrid / Remote

Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) Overview
Canada is one of the most urbanized countries in the world. Our collective ability to achieve
the highest environmental, social and economic goals – at all levels of government and
internationally – depend on how well our cities and regions can manage local and systemic
challenges, create and build on community-driven solutions, and take steps to secure their
future well-being.

Canada is challenged by a vast geography with a relatively small population, 80% of which
is distributed within 100 km of the US border. Although predominantly urban, governance
arrangements were created when that was not the case, hence the federation within which
our cities function does not reflect the particular needs or urban (or rural) places well,
reinforcing an increasingly archaic approach that channels policy and resources through
provincial and territorial governments that often function as ‘gate-keepers’. Various ‘work-
arounds’ exist to match local needs with federal resources, but this makes effective problem-
solving and opportunity development in places very challenging.

Canada’s Urban Institute was created in 1990, and to advance best practice in city-
building. in its thirty-fourth year, CUI focused on driving critical linkages across the
country that accelerate innovation, support enabling conditions and align public and
private investment. We are ensuring local realities and experiences are integrated into
government policies, plans and programs at all levels. We believe urbanism involves
everyone and solutions must be grounded in the local.

Why CUI Matters

Most of the most critical challenges in Canada – which range from housing shortages to
immigrant settlement to mental health to equitable prosperity – made, all the more acute by
global economic and climate pressures – are manifesting in our cities. Solutions to these
shared but also highly localized problems are to be found on-the-ground, where necessity
engenders innovation. Civic institutions – like CUI – are essential to our capacity as a
country to adapt to change and solve for the future.
National governments around the world are equipping themselves with policy and practice
institutes to provide best data and practice. These include:

● The Urban Institute and Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program in the United States,
● The London Urban Research Network and Connected Places Catapult in the UK,
● The Centre for Livable Cities in Singapore, and EU-backed entities in Europe such as Eurocities.

Similarly, Canada needs a strong Urban Institute to co-develop the most effective policy,
investment and governance approaches that build out country’s economic, social, and
environmental resilience.

After three decades of organizational evolution from a small charity providing targeted
technical assistance on special urban challenges to a pan-Canada platform profiling key
challenges and innovative solutions, CUI is now poised to be Canada’s primary resource for
best practices and policy leadership for place-based solutions to key global challenges of
climate, equity, and resilience. With a mandate as ambitious and prescient as this, CUI
needs Board leadership to solidify its organizational and financial sustainability, and work
with the CEO to broaden its influence over policy and practice, both domestically and
internationally.

Board Member Expectations
To build the next chapter of CUI, as a robust Institute, CUI is looking for a Board
Member(s) who is equally ambitious about Canada and its future as a country of strong
places, to work with staff and colleagues as a trusted ally and partner, and who is:
● Committed to CUI’s mission and value proposition
● Participates in all strategic discussions and long-term policy development
● Participates in the annual President & CEO performance review
● Provides financial oversight, including approval of the annual operations
budget, the review of quarterly financial statements and the approval of the
audit
● Prepares for each board and committee meeting by reviewing all
documentation and comes with insights, questions and concerns
● Leverages their networks and influence to open doors and make connections
for the benefit of CUI policy priorities, financial sustainability and fund-raising
● Participates in committees and sub-committees to get work done

● Makes a financial contribution to the Board that is meaningful to you
● Has demonstrated leadership in cross-cultural contexts, is committed to
reconciliation and equity

Board Member Commitments
As a Board member you will:
● Commit to a 3-year term
● Participate in 4 board meetings / year
● Participate in at least one Committee or sub-committee (4 times per year +)
● Actively participate in 4 - 6 key external meetings or events / year to
support the President & CEO and / or represent CUI in their absence
● Sign a Board Agreement

Why you would join the Board of the CUI
● Influence public policy important to the sustainability of Canada
● Support policies and programs that create vibrant, equitable, livable, and
resilient cities across the country
● Expand your network to include policymakers, urban professionals, civic and
business leaders, activists, and academics from coast to coast to coast
● Apply your strategic, financial, governance and fundraising skills by working
cross-functionally and collaboratively with Board members, CUI executive
leadership, and CUI key stakeholders

Diversity & Inclusion  
The Canadian Urban Institute is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive
workplace culture, where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We place high value
on diversity and encourage applications from all equity-deserving groups. We are
committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation, please
inform us and we will arrange for accommodation.