Michael W. Mehaffy, Ph.D.
Keynote Speaker
Engaging and Accessible Talks On Cities, Technology, AI, and the Future of Human-Centered Design
Previous talks at the United Nations * World Governments Forum * Cambridge University * Oxford University * Harvard University * Yale University * Governments * Nonprofits * Businesses
Available for keynotes, emcee work, moderation, and other services
"Your presentation in Aspen was wonderful. It was the short survey course, in one hour, what I learned in the urban planning and design survey course at MIT."
- Robin Chase, co-founder, ZipCar
"Your contribution was terrific."
- Elana Horowitz, Manager of Partnerships and Consulting, Government of Ontario, Growth Secretariat
Michael Mehaffy is an internationally recognized scholar, urbanist, and advisor on the future of cities, housing, and human-centered design. He delivers keynote presentations and workshops that bridge cutting-edge research with practical implementation—helping audiences understand not only what must change, but how to make change happen. His work integrates insights from urban design, complexity science, architecture, and policy to address some of the most urgent challenges facing cities today, including housing affordability, climate adaptation, and the erosion of livable urban form.
Dr. Mehaffy is known for translating complex ideas into clear, actionable frameworks. Drawing on decades of professional practice, academic research, and global collaboration, he offers audiences a coherent and hopeful path forward—grounded in evidence, but oriented toward real-world results. His presentations are particularly valued by interdisciplinary audiences, where planners, designers, policymakers, developers, and civic leaders must work together to achieve meaningful outcomes.
He has spoken for universities, governments, professional institutes, and international organizations, and serves as Executive Director of the International Making Cities Livable (IMCL) conference series. His work has contributed to global discussions on sustainable urbanism, including collaborations related to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.
This speaker reel shows excerpts from talks at the World Governments Forum in Abu Dhabi; the United Nations' Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador; and conferences in Vancouver, B.C., Bristol, UK, Stockholm, Sweden, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Carmel, Indiana, USA:
Testimonials
"I hope you will be pleased to know that your opening remarks were quoted frequently during the second day's sessions. I believe your work is very important."
- James Malanaphy, Co-Chair
Historic Resources Committee, American Institute of Architects
"Your thoughtful messages planning content well in advance of the event assured me we had selected the ideal [keynote] presenter."
- Piper Foster, Director, Sopris Foundation
"We had fantastic lectures, feedback and perspective by you."
- Ernesto Philibert, Program Director, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
"What a compelling and inspiring synthesis you presented."
- Susan Zielinski, Managing Director, Center for Advancing Research and Solutions for Society (CARSS)
Contact
Please contact us for more information, or to discuss specific content development for your event!
+1 503-250-4449