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A new approach to city building

The way we shape cities is outdated. The current system isn’t built to solve the challenges cities face. But we can build something better.

The Alberta School of Business is building a new model — one that connects disciplines, sectors and people, and is steeped in the language of data.

Across Canada and around the world, cities face urgent challenges and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s Cities Institute is a bold response to these issues: a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary research hub designed to generate real-world solutions and empower the next generation of city-builders.

Fueling the vision: A transformational gift

Thanks to a visionary $5 million lead investment from the Gupta Family, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has established the Radhe Krishna Gupta Executive Chair in Cities and Communities. The Gupta Chair will serve as a cornerstone of the Cities Institute, and honors Radhe and Krishna Gupta’s lifelong commitment to shaping Alberta’s communities through innovation and vision.

The inaugural chairholder Murtaza Haider is a renowned expert in data science, real estate and urban development. His leadership ensures the Institute’s work is grounded in both evidence and impact — bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical solutions.

What Will the Cities Institute Do?

The Cities Institute is designed to move beyond the status quo. It will:

1. Generate practical research

Tackle urgent urban challenges like housing, infrastructure, sustainability and equity — providing usable insights for planners, policymakers and industries.

2. Develop future leaders

Through Canada’s first Master of Real Estate Development Plus (MRED+) program, students will gain hands-on experience and interdisciplinary skills to lead city-building efforts across sectors. Graduates will be uniquely positioned to rise to the challenge and cultivate solutions that positively impact our future.

3. Increase accurate policy and solutions through data analytics

From polling and data analytics to workshops and symposia, the Institute will shape conversations and guide decision-making in government and industry alike.

4. Foster industry collaboration

By bringing multi sectoral stakeholders into the fold, the Cities Institute will be a convener and connector — working with industry, community organizations and public institutions to co-create real solutions.

Why It Matters

By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. This is an unprecedented rate of urban expansion. New and complex issues are emerging as part of this shift, including today’s cities being on the brink of significant economic transformation. The decisions we make today will shape how we live, work, move and thrive tomorrow.

Alberta — and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ — has the talent, the drive and the vision to lead the way. The Cities Institute will serve as a guiding force to ensure that our cities are not just places to live, but places to flourish, enhancing talent, technology, well being and competitiveness.

A galvanizing vision requires strong support across the sectors with a bold commitment for change.

Together with your support, we can:

• Grow our economic competitiveness
• Respond to our need for innovation and resilience
• Increase our quality of life
• Foster environmental sustainability
• Promote social equity and inclusion
  
  Join us as we further unleash the talent of tomorrow by creating opportunities today to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and the creation of novel ideas.