Josh White

General Manager, Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability

Josh White joined the City in May 2024. In his previous role as Director, City and Regional Planning and Co-Chief Planner at the City of Calgary, he stewarded the adoption of a new housing strategy in collaboration with partners and led the creation of a simpler and more effective planning policy and regulation. During a period of extraordinary population growth for the city, Josh also oversaw strategic growth, growth funding and financing, and infrastructure planning for the municipality. In his tenure at the City of Calgary, he also initiated and led the significant transformation of the development approvals system, which resulted in improved planning outcomes, benchmarked as among the most efficient in Canada. 

He holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Queen's University, and began his career in the private sector. 

Josh’s experience lends itself well to working collaboratively with partners on key challenges, including streamlining land-use permitting, housing supply and affordability. He leads the important work the Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability department does to manage Vancouver’s growth and transformation through intentional and innovative city building, which is the foundation of a sustainable, livable and inclusive city.