David Amborski

David Amborski is a Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning, specializing in urban planning economics. He founded the Centre for Urban Research and Land Development (CUR) and previously led the City Building Institute. His work focuses on municipal finance, land development, housing markets, and land value capture tools.

Education:

• BA
• MSc
• MA

Research interests include infrastructure finance, property tax reform, and strategic planning practices in Ontario and Eastern Europe. He advises government bodies like the National Treasury of South Africa and collaborates with international organizations such as the OECD and World Bank.

Key Contributions:

• Consulted on Toronto’s Smart Track financing and MPAC’s property tax assessment processes
• Authored works on suburban policy challenges and livable cities
• Presented globally at UN Habitat III, Medellín, and across Eastern Europe/Latin America

Awards: Lambda Alpha Honourary Land Economics Society membership.

Advisory Roles:

• Google Sidewalk Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
• City of Toronto Inclusionary Zoning Advisory Committee
• Metrolinx Project Evaluation Advisory Panel
• Editorial boards of Town Planning Review and Journal of European Research and Spatial Policy

Labs/Initiatives: Active in CUR and the City Building Institute, advancing land value capture and urban policy innovations.