Brent Toderian
@brenttoderian.bsky.social
Global advisor on better cities, city planning, transportation & urban change. City planner + urbanist leading @ToderianUW.bsky.social. Past Chief Planner for Vancouver BC. Past/founding President of @CanUrbanism.bsky.social. International speaker & media.
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Brent Toderian
@brenttoderian.bsky.social
· Jun 25
NEW: “Canadian urbanist @brenttoderian.bsky.social teamed up with the city of Paris and, in particular, its mayor, @annehidalgo.bsky.social on a new exhibition that shines a light on cities and global climate action.”
Thanks very much @momentummag.bsky.social for the great questions! #Paris
Thanks very much @momentummag.bsky.social for the great questions! #Paris
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Reposted by Brent Toderian
“In the downtowns and inner cities, you lean in on prioritizing walking, biking and public transit as the solution, in your street space, in your budgets… but in the SUBURBS, the goal is balance, and let’s be clear, in the suburbs actual balance would be REVOLUTIONARY!” — @brenttoderian.bsky.social
NEW/LISTEN! Been REALLY looking forward to this one — my interview with Jason from #NotJustBikes IS LIVE on many podcast platforms plus YouTube! We cover a LOT of really important ground on how to ACTUALLY ACHIEVE BETTER CITIES IN REAL PRACTICE! I’m looking forward to your thoughts and comments!
How to Actually Improve a City (w/Brent Toderian)
YouTube video by The Urbanist Agenda Podcast
www.youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:38 AM
“In the downtowns and inner cities, you lean in on prioritizing walking, biking and public transit as the solution, in your street space, in your budgets… but in the SUBURBS, the goal is balance, and let’s be clear, in the suburbs actual balance would be REVOLUTIONARY!” — @brenttoderian.bsky.social
It’s surreal to me that it was 20 years ago I was chosen as Vancouver’s new Chief Planner at 36 years old. I spent most of my career being considered “the young hotshot that was young for his job”… every job I’ve ever had, actually. Now so many young people I hired are bosses. Not so young anymore.
December 17, 2025 at 1:09 AM
It’s surreal to me that it was 20 years ago I was chosen as Vancouver’s new Chief Planner at 36 years old. I spent most of my career being considered “the young hotshot that was young for his job”… every job I’ve ever had, actually. Now so many young people I hired are bosses. Not so young anymore.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
❗️After President Zelenskyy's words "Glory to Ukraine!", the entire Dutch parliament stood and applauded loudly for a minute.
December 16, 2025 at 10:49 AM
❗️After President Zelenskyy's words "Glory to Ukraine!", the entire Dutch parliament stood and applauded loudly for a minute.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
I remember rummaging through laundry bins to find my "least dirty clothes" to wear to the pub so that clean ones wouldn't reek of smoke.
I remember arguments about ending pubkic smoking. It was the right decision. Other supposedly controversial views will also come to be seen as norms in time.
I remember arguments about ending pubkic smoking. It was the right decision. Other supposedly controversial views will also come to be seen as norms in time.
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I remember rummaging through laundry bins to find my "least dirty clothes" to wear to the pub so that clean ones wouldn't reek of smoke.
I remember arguments about ending pubkic smoking. It was the right decision. Other supposedly controversial views will also come to be seen as norms in time.
I remember arguments about ending pubkic smoking. It was the right decision. Other supposedly controversial views will also come to be seen as norms in time.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
One of the biggest reasons why better cities are hard to achieve is the powerful proven psychology of “status quo bias.” No matter how bad an idea was in the first place, once it’s in place, our “loss aversion” means we will fight irrationally hard to protect it from any change to something better.
December 16, 2025 at 4:48 AM
One of the biggest reasons why better cities are hard to achieve is the powerful proven psychology of “status quo bias.” No matter how bad an idea was in the first place, once it’s in place, our “loss aversion” means we will fight irrationally hard to protect it from any change to something better.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Pro-wrestling legend Mick Foley announced this morning that he's parting ways with WWE over the organization's "close relationship with Donald Trump," saying the president's "incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me."
December 16, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Pro-wrestling legend Mick Foley announced this morning that he's parting ways with WWE over the organization's "close relationship with Donald Trump," saying the president's "incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me."
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Totally not surprised about what she said
I'm totally surprised she said it
Susie Wiles, trump's chief of staff .. Vanity Fair interview
I'm totally surprised she said it
Susie Wiles, trump's chief of staff .. Vanity Fair interview
December 16, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Totally not surprised about what she said
I'm totally surprised she said it
Susie Wiles, trump's chief of staff .. Vanity Fair interview
I'm totally surprised she said it
Susie Wiles, trump's chief of staff .. Vanity Fair interview
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Oh man do I remember the knock down drag out fight that LFK went through when they were instituting their smoking ban. Every bar and restaurant owner came crawling out saying it would ruin them if peopel couldn’t light up inside
I remembering leaving restaurants smelling like an ashtray
I remembering leaving restaurants smelling like an ashtray
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 16, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Oh man do I remember the knock down drag out fight that LFK went through when they were instituting their smoking ban. Every bar and restaurant owner came crawling out saying it would ruin them if peopel couldn’t light up inside
I remembering leaving restaurants smelling like an ashtray
I remembering leaving restaurants smelling like an ashtray
Reposted by Brent Toderian
We took over relative’s house and doing renos, I tried to find some stain to match the kitchen ceiling for some repairs. Soon discovered the blond wood had never been stained a rich red brown, it was from 40 years of two chainsmokers. 😱
December 16, 2025 at 4:44 PM
We took over relative’s house and doing renos, I tried to find some stain to match the kitchen ceiling for some repairs. Soon discovered the blond wood had never been stained a rich red brown, it was from 40 years of two chainsmokers. 😱
Reposted by Brent Toderian
People roll out these types of stories as if public smoking is such an old timey thing
Up until late 2019 you could still smoke in restaurants and bars in Austria
Up until late 2019 you could still smoke in restaurants and bars in Austria
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 16, 2025 at 5:16 PM
People roll out these types of stories as if public smoking is such an old timey thing
Up until late 2019 you could still smoke in restaurants and bars in Austria
Up until late 2019 you could still smoke in restaurants and bars in Austria
Reposted by Brent Toderian
NEW: This video by @ohtheurbanity.bsky.social might get more views because it’s being called a “beef” between 2 big urbanist YouTubers, but that was the least interesting part of it for me.
What I like is how it shows HOW FAST MONTREAL HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING!
Best city-building in North America.
What I like is how it shows HOW FAST MONTREAL HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING!
Best city-building in North America.
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:30 AM
NEW: This video by @ohtheurbanity.bsky.social might get more views because it’s being called a “beef” between 2 big urbanist YouTubers, but that was the least interesting part of it for me.
What I like is how it shows HOW FAST MONTREAL HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING!
Best city-building in North America.
What I like is how it shows HOW FAST MONTREAL HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING!
Best city-building in North America.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
This post from Canada reminded me of the rabid response that followed the public smoking ban in the US. The outcry from smokers who could no longer drench my lungs and clothes in their chosen brand of cigarette smoke was fierce, but It provides hope that we will find a solution to our gun problem.
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
This post from Canada reminded me of the rabid response that followed the public smoking ban in the US. The outcry from smokers who could no longer drench my lungs and clothes in their chosen brand of cigarette smoke was fierce, but It provides hope that we will find a solution to our gun problem.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
I'm not sure if people realize the murder strikes are taking place across a large region. It's quite staggering.
www.newsweek.com/map-us-strik...
www.newsweek.com/map-us-strik...
December 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I'm not sure if people realize the murder strikes are taking place across a large region. It's quite staggering.
www.newsweek.com/map-us-strik...
www.newsweek.com/map-us-strik...
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Finally got a chance to listen to this really great interview. This is really fantastic. Give it a listen, and if you don’t already follow Brent. The stuff is fantastic. This is the voice of leadership.
NEW/LISTEN! Been REALLY looking forward to this one — my interview with Jason from #NotJustBikes IS LIVE on many podcast platforms plus YouTube! We cover a LOT of really important ground on how to ACTUALLY ACHIEVE BETTER CITIES IN REAL PRACTICE! I’m looking forward to your thoughts and comments!
How to Actually Improve a City (w/Brent Toderian)
YouTube video by The Urbanist Agenda Podcast
www.youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Finally got a chance to listen to this really great interview. This is really fantastic. Give it a listen, and if you don’t already follow Brent. The stuff is fantastic. This is the voice of leadership.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
I still remember the night they banned smoking inside NYC bars and restaurants. So many articles claiming it would be the end of NYC nightlife.
It was 2003.
Things can change. Faster than you might think.
It was 2003.
Things can change. Faster than you might think.
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 16, 2025 at 2:34 AM
I still remember the night they banned smoking inside NYC bars and restaurants. So many articles claiming it would be the end of NYC nightlife.
It was 2003.
Things can change. Faster than you might think.
It was 2003.
Things can change. Faster than you might think.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Cars in cities should be charged for:
Emissions (EVs get a discount)
Size, mass, pedestrian safety rating & distance driven (EVs should be charged the same as other cars).
Emissions (EVs get a discount)
Size, mass, pedestrian safety rating & distance driven (EVs should be charged the same as other cars).
“Electric cars are no more dangerous for pedestrians than petrol and diesel models, researchers find.”
They’re also no safer. Which reminds us that “better cars” aren’t the main answer to the consequences of cars. The main answer is fewer (and smaller) cars driven less frequently in better cities.
They’re also no safer. Which reminds us that “better cars” aren’t the main answer to the consequences of cars. The main answer is fewer (and smaller) cars driven less frequently in better cities.
EVs 'just as safe for pedestrians'
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no more dangerous to pedestrians than traditional petrol or diesel cars, according to a new study.
www.leeds.ac.uk
December 15, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Cars in cities should be charged for:
Emissions (EVs get a discount)
Size, mass, pedestrian safety rating & distance driven (EVs should be charged the same as other cars).
Emissions (EVs get a discount)
Size, mass, pedestrian safety rating & distance driven (EVs should be charged the same as other cars).
Reposted by Brent Toderian
you have to be soooo bad at both design and manufacturing to make premium-priced EVs that are less reliable than literally any Stellantis product... like, it's difficult to convey what a failure this is
December 15, 2025 at 3:54 PM
you have to be soooo bad at both design and manufacturing to make premium-priced EVs that are less reliable than literally any Stellantis product... like, it's difficult to convey what a failure this is
Reposted by Brent Toderian
please take a moment to appreciate Tesla's epic accomplishment of coming dead last in the auto industry in reliability, despite making relatively expensive cars with a tiny fraction of the moving parts
www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-b...
www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-b...
December 15, 2025 at 3:53 PM
please take a moment to appreciate Tesla's epic accomplishment of coming dead last in the auto industry in reliability, despite making relatively expensive cars with a tiny fraction of the moving parts
www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-b...
www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-b...
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Carrie Fisher was great too. I miss her.
December 15, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Carrie Fisher was great too. I miss her.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
To folks inside the United States, these numbers probably seem hopeful. And that’s good, because they NEED hope. But to most of the rest of the world, these numbers still seem insane — that it’s still this close with Trump & the GOP so obviously a nightmare for not just the US, but for the world.
Everyone will understandably look at Trump's approval numbers in this NBC News poll but I feel like this is the bigger number:
53% of Americans said they trust Democrats over the Republican Party (47%) to handle the rising price of everyday things.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
53% of Americans said they trust Democrats over the Republican Party (47%) to handle the rising price of everyday things.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
Poll: Trump's MAGA base is still behind him — but cracks are showing ahead of 2026
A new NBC News Decision Desk Poll shows the majority of American adults think the country is on the wrong track as the economy remains a top concern.
www.nbcnews.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:41 PM
To folks inside the United States, these numbers probably seem hopeful. And that’s good, because they NEED hope. But to most of the rest of the world, these numbers still seem insane — that it’s still this close with Trump & the GOP so obviously a nightmare for not just the US, but for the world.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Interesting, I think Exeter is probably stuck somewhere between steps 3 and 4 on this list...
As I discussed in the interview, these are the 5 STEPS TO MAKING BETTER CITIES I’ve been using for many years, and eventually wrote about in @fastcompany.com. Too many cities are stuck in Step 2 (doing the wrong things better), and have to really be careful in Step 4 (doing the right things badly).
5 steps to making better cities
Before you can do the right thing, you have to do the right thing badly. And before that, you have to do the wrong thing.
www.fastcompany.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Interesting, I think Exeter is probably stuck somewhere between steps 3 and 4 on this list...
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Musk WILL turn off Starlink when Ukraine counter-attacks.
Musk WON'T disable Russia's use of Starlink.
But sure, buy a Tesla. Line the Russia-supporting Nazi's pockets. Pretend like it's just the normal "business as usual".
Musk WON'T disable Russia's use of Starlink.
But sure, buy a Tesla. Line the Russia-supporting Nazi's pockets. Pretend like it's just the normal "business as usual".
Musk’s Starlinks help russia to kill Ukrainians
Ukrainian military reports indicate that Russian Molniya-2 kamikaze drones are using continuous Starlink connectivity, significantly increasing their operational effectiveness.
Ukrainian military reports indicate that Russian Molniya-2 kamikaze drones are using continuous Starlink connectivity, significantly increasing their operational effectiveness.
December 15, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Musk WILL turn off Starlink when Ukraine counter-attacks.
Musk WON'T disable Russia's use of Starlink.
But sure, buy a Tesla. Line the Russia-supporting Nazi's pockets. Pretend like it's just the normal "business as usual".
Musk WON'T disable Russia's use of Starlink.
But sure, buy a Tesla. Line the Russia-supporting Nazi's pockets. Pretend like it's just the normal "business as usual".
Reposted by Brent Toderian
I remember the hue and cry from the restaurants and bars -- and conservative politicians -- that smoking bans would put them out of business. It didn't. Don't ever let someone tell you that prioritizing people is bad policy.
I lived thru the end of public smoking. Early in my career I presented to city councils who were smoking, in front of audiences who were smoking.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
Smoking in restaurants, airplanes, hospitals…
All of that seems insane now, but it was very controversial when we DID change it.
We CAN change things.
It’s crazy that people used to be able to just smoke cigarettes wherever they wanted
December 16, 2025 at 4:10 AM
I remember the hue and cry from the restaurants and bars -- and conservative politicians -- that smoking bans would put them out of business. It didn't. Don't ever let someone tell you that prioritizing people is bad policy.
Reposted by Brent Toderian
Yes, and there were people protesting as well 😑
December 16, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Yes, and there were people protesting as well 😑