The Bottom-Up Revolution Craig Cassar: How To Take a Holistic Approach to City Building
Jul 3, 2025
Craig Cassar, a first-term City Councilor in Hamilton, Ontario, shares his journey from corporate leadership to municipal advocacy. He discusses Hamilton's challenges and triumphs in sustainable city building, emphasizing the synergy between urbanism and environmentalism. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots engagement in urban planning, resisting expansion into farmland, and promoting human-centric designs. Cassar also advocates for initiatives like the Hamilton Butterfly Way Project, which intertwine nature with urban development for a healthier community.
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From Private Sector to City Council
- Craig's journey into municipal politics began during the pandemic with trash cleanup and environmental activism.
- He transitioned from a private sector career to city council motivated by community care and transferable skills.
Holistic City Planning Insight
- Urbanism and environmentalism are deeply interconnected with financial sustainability.
- Good city decisions require viewing all elements—transportation, housing, environment—as connected parts.
Use Financial Framing
- Frame urbanism and environmental initiatives in financial terms to gain broader support.
- People prioritize money concerns like taxes and traffic, making economics the key language for advocacy.
