Introducing my knowledge and approach

Knowledge of National and Local directives, strategies and challenges

Through my work, I have a keen understanding of the national directives provided by SPLUMA, the IUDF and similar, as well as the various Metros’ interpretations thereof as represented in the MSDFs, BEPPs, and relevant long-term financial, infrastructure, resilience, climate change, economic and other strategies. I understand the journey that the major metros, specifically the City of Cape Town, are on with regards to preserving and strengthening their socio-economic base, keeping up with growth, addressing complex sets of chronic social, environmental and economic stressors and rolling system-wide shocks, and resource constraints. Every lever the Cities have need to be directed towards these challenges, including their planning, financial and corporate mandates. I “work with the grain” when it comes to existing City competencies, strategies and constraints in achieving these long-term outcomes.

Knowledge of long-term economic and fiscal pathways

As an experienced economic development practitioner and strategist, and consultant on city finances and fiscal policy, I understand that the choices City governments make regarding developments have implications for generations to come. These include not only short and medium-term direct economic benefits, but also long-term city-shaping impacts with lasting implications for the City’s operational budgets, and for the structure of the economy. This is true for established nodes, expanding nodes, and predominantly informal areas – I have experience practicing in all areas. I am passionate about the relationships between land use and placemaking and economic development and am also knowledgeable about sector development and a fan of complexity theory for economic pathways.

A focus on social inclusion

I am a keen advocate for more inclusive design and development models. My roots as a social worker, and practice and volunteer work focusing on affordable housing, universal access and urban management models will ensure that considerations of long-term social sustainability and “do no harm” minimum requirements are met. However, having consulted for private developers I am not insensitive to the factors that drive design and market for each individual site. I believe I can be a bridge between those working at a project and site level and those working at a policy and structural level.