Richard Florida

Richard Florida is a University Professor and Director of Cities at the Martin Prosperity Institute at the University of Toronto, as well as a Distinguished Fellow at New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. He is widely recognized for his influential work on urban studies, particularly through his bestselling book The Rise of the Creative Class, which explores the relationship between creativity, economic development, and urban regeneration. Florida co-founded CityLab, where he serves as Editor-at-Large, contributing to discussions on urban issues and policies.With a rich academic background, Florida has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and George Mason University, and has been a visiting professor at Harvard and MIT. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. His current course, "The City and You: Find Your Best Place," reflects his commitment to understanding how urban environments shape individual experiences and opportunities. Through his research and writing, Florida continues to influence how cities adapt to the challenges of the 21st century, focusing on fostering inclusive and vibrant urban spaces.