Karen Chapple

Karen Chapple is Professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto, where she directs the School of Cities. Her research examines regional inequalities with focus on housing disparities and economic development governance.

Founder of the Urban Displacement Project, she analyzes residential/commercial displacement patterns and anti-displacement policies. Research integrates big data analytics to study gentrification, industrial land preservation, and pandemic recovery disparities.

Honors include the John Friedmann Book Award for 'Planning Sustainable Cities and Regions' and Fulbright Global Scholarship. Current projects examine accessory dwelling units as equitable infill and downtown revitalization post-COVID.

Courses cover urban analytics, economic development, and metropolitan planning methods, connecting research with policymaking through the Center for Community Innovation.