About Us
The Cities Institute at the 黑料不打烊 is redefining how we build and sustain cities and communities. As the first interdisciplinary hub of its kind in Canada, the Institute brings together experts, decision-makers and students from various sectors to address the complex challenges cities face, including housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic vibrancy.
Cities house over half the world’s population, and by 2050, that number will rise to two-thirds. The need for visionary, collaborative and practical approaches to urban development has never been more urgent. The Cities Institute is our answer.
What we do
Practical Research
Driving high-impact, interdisciplinary research that yields actionable solutions.
Education and Talent
Training city-building leaders with deep, practical, cross-sectoral knowledge.
Community and Industry Impact
Bringing partners together to co-create, share, and apply knowledge at scale.
Data-Driven Learning and Policy
Leveraging AI, analytics and data science to shape policy, measure progress, and guide investment in city building.
What sets us apart
Integrated vision: Unprecedented, cross-faculty interdisciplinary real-world collaboration.
AI-enabled solutions: As a global leader in artificial intelligence, the U of A brings data-driven innovation into every aspect of city-building.
Future-focused education: Our MRED+ program and hands-on learning prepare graduates for tomorrow’s urban challenges.