This webinar series will feature municipal and industry representatives from Toronto, Vancouver and Portland who will share more about their experiences in developing and implementing community benefits policies including setting minimum requirements for local and/or equity hires as part of urban infrastructure and development projects.
Moderated by TCBN Executive Director, Rosemarie Powell
Welcome and Introductions by Matti Siemiatycki, Director of the Infrastructure Institute and Professor of Geography and Planning, University of Toronto
Matti Siemiatycki is Director of the Infrastructure Institute and Professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. His work focuses on delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, evidence based infrastructure investment decisions, and the effective integration of infrastructure into the fabric of cities. His recent studies explore transit policy decisions, the value for money of public-private partnerships, the development of innovative mixed-use buildings as a form of place based infrastructure policy, and the diversity gap in the infrastructure industry workforce. Matti consults widely on infrastructure policy and is a frequent media commentator on infrastructure and city planning.
Alisha Masongsong - Social Planner, Community Economic Development, City of Vancouver
Alisha Masongsong (she/her) is a Social Planner in Community Economic Development at the City of Vancouver, where part of her portfolio focuses on implementing the City’s Community Benefit Agreement policy. Prior to working for the City, Alisha has worked over 10 years in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, starting with frontline social service work in the housing, health, and mental health sectors. More recently, Alisha was the Acting Director at Exchange Inner City, a membership based organization that implements community economic development projects in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Alisha also worked as the Manager of Community Engagement for Buy Social Canada. It was through her work at Exchange Inner City and Buy Social Canada that she first came to learn about community benefits agreements, and was involved in advocating for and supporting the development of the City’s CBA policy.
April Lim - Policy Development Officer, Social Development, Finance & Administration, City of Toronto
April Lim is a Policy Development Officer at the City of Toronto. In her 11 years at the City of Toronto, April has played various roles in research, policy development and data trends analysis, highlighting and addressing inequitable systemic barriers faced by equity-deserving communities. Most recently, April's policy work has focused on ways to leverage public infrastructure investments to create training, employment and business opportunities for targeted communities. She is a leader in developing the City of Toronto's approach to community benefits including the Community Benefits Framework, Rexdale – Casino Woodbine Community Benefits Agreement, and Social Procurement Program. When she is not working, April loves to be outdoors year-round in nature with her partner, three children and dog.
Pino Di Mascio, MCIP, RPP - Head of Impact and Strategy, Dream
Pino Di Mascio is the Head of Impact Strategy and Delivery at Dream. Pino is responsible for the execution of Dream's impact pathways, which includes delivering measurable positive outcomes for specific social and environmental goals throughout the company's portfolio. Pino also works to identify opportunities with external stakeholders and community partners to further advance Dream’s impact initiatives and broader community objectives. With over 25 years of experience in planning and development, Pino has led and shaped some of the most complex and impactful urban projects in Canada and beyond.
William Mendes - Director of Program Delivery, Toronto Community Housing Corporation
William Mendes is the Director of Program Delivery within Toronto Community Housing’s Development Division. He has played various roles in TCHC to lead teams in the design and implementation of social and economic transformation initiatives. A major focus of his work is supporting social housing residents get connected to meaningful educational, employment, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities through partnerships with developers, trade unions, employers, and community networks.