Gregor Robertson

Mayor of Vancouver

Mayor Robertson is host of The Cities Summit. In assembling business and urban leaders from around the world, the Mayor's goal is to foster the partnerships that will be a catalyst for investment in 21st Century cities.

In November 2011, Gregor Robertson was elected to a second term as Mayor of Vancouver. He was re-elected to continue building upon the accomplishments of his first three years in office—working to end street homelessness, addressing housing affordability, improving public transit, and making Vancouver the greenest city in the world.

Mayor Robertson is also a national advocate for urban issues as Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Big City Mayors’ Caucus, focusing on public infrastructure, housing and transit.

Under Mayor Robertson, the number of people sleeping on Vancouver’s streets has decreased for the first time in a decade. Significant progress has been made towards the goal of ending street homelessness by 2015, including the opening of emergency winter shelters and the creation of hundreds of units of social housing across the city.

As a member of the TransLink Mayors’ Council, Mayor Robertson continues to advocate strongly for improved public transit, including better late-night bus service and the long-term goal of bringing rapid transit to the Broadway corridor.

Mayor Robertson spearheaded the creation of the city’s first comprehensive Economic Action Strategy, and is committed to growing a sustainable and thriving economy in Vancouver focused on high-growth sectors like digital media, clean technology and renewable energy. Building on the successful legacy of the Olympics, which has generated over $300 million in economic impact and created more than 2500 new jobs in the Metro Vancouver region, Mayor Robertson has established Vancouver internationally as the Green Capital—a City where going green is good for business.

Under Mayor Robertson’s leadership, Vancouver continues to rank as one of the most livable cities in the world, with one of the most competitive environments for attracting new jobs and investment. The City of Vancouver has also been named the Most Innovative Organization in the province by BC Business Magazine for its open data initiative.

Prior to entering politics, Gregor co-founded Happy Planet, and grew the Vancouver-based socially responsible company up to 50 employees in 10 years. Happy Planet produces organic juices and promotes health and nutrition. For his achievements as a successful entrepreneur and community leader, Gregor was named one of Canada’s “Top 40 under 40” by The Globe and Mail in 2004.

Gregor and his wife Amy have four children: Terra, Satchel, Jinagh and Johanna. He is a dedicated cyclist, avid soccer fan, and plays the tuba, guitar, and drums.