Brian Jackson named city’s new senior planner

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After reviewing more than 100 applications from around the world, the City of Vancouver has selected a new general manager of planning and development – and he was under its nose all along.

Brian J. Jackson, a University of British Columbia graduate who most recently worked as director of development and acting general manager of planning and development for the City of Richmond, will begin his new role on Aug. 27.

Mr. Jackson was the unanimous choice of the search committee, which reviewed 108 applications from around the world. He will bring to the table experience leading initiatives that are in line with key priorities in the city, Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a statement issued Tuesday.

"Brian brings to this role 32 years of senior planning experience across North America, in both the private and public sector, along with specific skills in the areas of priority for our council, like affordability, transit-oriented development and community consultation," he said.

In Richmond, Mr. Jackson is credited with overseeing more than $4-billion in construction value, including hotels, retail, office and more than 12,000 residential units, according to a news release issued by the city. He also had a "major role working with the non-profit sector in the creation of more than 520 affordable housing units."

Mr. Jackson has also worked in Toronto – serving as the city's manager of waterfront planning in the 1990s – and California, managing from 2005 to 2008 the Metro Gold Line Transit-Oriented Development project, which encompassed 11 communities from  Pasadena to Montclair.

From 1998 to 2008, he worked as a senior associate for architecture, engineering, consulting and design firm IBI Group, planning projects across North America.

Mr. Jackson's hiring comes six months after the Vision city council terminated the contract of planning director Brent Toderian, who held the position for almost six years.