As one of the original organizers of the Peer City Convening in 2018, Gil recognized the need to bring staff from the major cities of the West Coast together to share ideas on city-based problems and solutions. From that original conversation, the network has grown to include cities right across the United States. He continues to advise the team on how to develop this initiative.

 

He is an internationally recognized urban strategist, having served as chief planner for several West Coast cities (including San Francisco and Berkeley, CA, Portland, OR, and Vancouver, BC). He has also served as an independent advisor to cities and governments across the globe. Currently, he works as an independent consultant, where he continues to share his insights on forward-thinking approaches to addressing challenging planning issues, including equity, climate change, economic development, neighborhood design and civic engagement.