Commercial Real Estate Podcast

Commercial Real Estate Podcast


Balancing Growth and Affordability: Exploring Edmonton’s Development Landscape with Kalen Anderson

August 08, 2024

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Kalen Anderson, CEO at UDI Edmonton Metro, the unified voice and expert resource for the real estate development industry in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Kalen discusses her urban planning background, her role at UDI, and her passion for housing. She highlights UDI’s advocacy for the real estate industry and its collaboration with municipal regulators. The conversation covers Edmonton’s growth, downtown revitalization, and Kalen’s vision for the city’s future, emphasizing the importance of a pro-business environment and attracting investment.


Topics covered include:



  • Kalen Discusses her Background in Real Estate
  • UDI’s Mandate and Importance in Urban Planning
  • Transitioning from City Planner to UDI’s CEO
  • Growth and Development of Edmonton
  • Overcoming Challenges of Resistance to Development and Rezoning 
  • Downtown Revitalization Challenges
  • Kalen’s Vision for Edmonton’s Future

More about our guest…


Kalen Anderson is a registered professional planner with a personal and professional commitment to building sustainable partnerships with communities, cities, and city regions. She is the Chief Executive Officer for the Urban Development Institute – Edmonton Metro and previously served as Vice President of Capital Planning and Chief Planner with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa, as well as a Planning Director and senior leader at the City of Edmonton for over a decade. 


She is a collaborative decision-making, successful relationship-builder, and strategic communications expert. A passionate and dedicated city-builder, Kalen’s leadership is founded on a broad understanding of urban and regional policy, economic development, and community engagement to support growth and change.


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