Discover Edward J Blakely's Insights

Community and Economic Development Consultant I met Ed in 1981 as a new graduate student at U.C. Berkeley. Community and economic development is my passion, and Ed was the guy to learn from. His knowledge, demeanor, creative thinking, and experience inspired me to strive for excellence and carve out a successful role in the world. It was also my good fortune that Ed and Ted Bradshaw invited me to work with them on various California and U.S. Southern State community economic development initiatives. I am forever grateful for the life opportunities early in my career. I also consider Ed to be my second father as well as a good friend. When I started having kids, Ed’s oldest daughter, Peita, was my daughter’s babysitter. When I was moving from house to house like a vagabond in the East Bay, Ed would periodically let me stay at his home in Oakland, and at one point, he even allowed me to rent the downstairs room for a few months. Then, every year, Ed hosted a Super Bowl party, highlighted by the halftime backyard basketball game. Ed was an effective point guard who could score the winning hoop well into his 60s. Ed continues to be a role model and inspiration since the U.C. Berkeley days. He has truly become a global citizen, affiliated with universities worldwide, and has written numerous books and articles on cities. He has also hosted a talk show and been an Australian football referee. Ed’s legacy is awe-inspiring and has left a lasting mark on my personal life and many, many others. It is my privilege to be your friend for so many years.

When we look back on our lives and those around us, one of the most important things to me is the impact that each of us has had in this world. For most people, the effect is minimal, but for a few, such as Ed Blakely, it is enormous. It is impossible to measure the impact Ed has had in this world and the number of lives that he has touched in such a positive manner. His global reach is unmatched by very few. During our interactions over the decades, one of the most interesting was his staying with us for several weeks after some knee surgery. We would have wide-ranging conversations on a vast array of subjects, often followed by “power naps” and good scotch. It always amazed me how our lives and connections intersected so often with such a broad reach. Ed Blakely has been my hero in life and the best example of a life to aspire to.

**Collaborative Mentorship and Lasting Impact** I had the privilege of completing my PhD under Ed’s supervision at the University of Sydney from 2005 to 2009. Those years were filled with inspiration, discovery, and intellectual growth. Working closely with Ed—on my thesis and a range of collaborative projects—was deeply formative and life-changing. We travelled together across Australia, China, and the United States, conducting fieldwork, leading educational programs, and guiding study tours. One particularly memorable experience was our 2006 study tour of the Yangtze River Delta, which included postgraduate planning students and professionals from Australia. From Shanghai to Nanjing, we explored a corridor of rapidly transforming cities, now recognised as one of the world’s most dynamic urban regions. The impact on participants was profound. Ed later said it was the best study tour he’d ever led. Following the completion of my PhD, our collaboration continued. We co-authored *Crafting Innovative Places for Australia’s Knowledge Economy*, a book launched in Sydney and Canberra and honoured by the Planning Institute of Australia. We also published articles, shared ideas, and stayed in close contact—each exchange was energising. Among all the mentors I’ve had, Ed has had the most enduring impact. His vision, generosity, and courage continue to shape my thinking, teaching, and practice. From him, I learned not just a word but a philosophy: *pracademic*.

Edward J. Blakely is celebrated as an extraordinary individual whose life work has significantly impacted individuals and communities worldwide through education, leadership, and development. His multifaceted career and genuine humility have made him a remarkable mentor and inspiration to many. • Extraordinary human and mentor: Edward Blakely is described as a great man devoted to cultivating his talents and helping others realize their potential, profoundly influencing countless people and communities globally. • Versatile leadership: He has demonstrated remarkable versatility by leading in various roles such as educator, scholar, diplomat, civil servant, and consultant across multiple countries, always linking theory with practical solutions while maintaining humility. • Personal impact and lasting inspiration: The author, Prof. Kelvin Willoughby, shares how Blakely’s mentorship and friendship over 35 years opened opportunities and shaped his multinational career, highlighting Blakely’s enduring inspiration and the deep personal connection with him and his wife.

Ed: You’re a force of nature and your legacy will outlive you forever, in transformed cities, changed outlooks and attitudes and deep friendships all over the world. LA, the Bay Area, New York, Sydney, New Orleans and dozens of other cities are better places because of your work in these places, and millions around the world benefit every day from your achievements. Your steady voice and vision made it possible for the Civic Alliance to create a citizens plan for rebuilding the World Trade Center and Lower Manhattan following 9/11. Finally, I will always cherish our deep friendship. work in New York-New School + contribution to RPA +11 and post 9-11 +Help with Katrina deep friendship

I met Ed in 2005 through the Global Urban Competitiveness Project. Our friendship grew through conferences across the world—Beijing, Mexico, Rotterdam, Incheon, Venice, Porto. Ed’s thoughtfulness stood out, from guiding me to an acupuncture clinic after a long flight to quietly funding our under-supported conferences. He never sought credit but always gave generously. One unforgettable night in Porto, he danced joyfully in a square—pure Ed. His warmth, wisdom, and leadership shaped our community. Now, with the Ed Blakely Chair at Iuav, his legacy continues to inspire. Ed has always been by our side—and his spirit always will be.

Ed Blakely, or ‘Prof’ as he came to be known by many, is a teacher and a city shaper. Through the Future Cities Collaborative at the United States Studies Centre and its cornerstone Future Cities Program (2012-2017), we helped shape how city leaders in New South Wales, Australia, thought about, planned, and created innovative, thriving, and great places for people to live. Curating bi-lateral US-Australia city exchanges for city leaders from all corners of greater metropolitan Sydney to engage with their counterparts in the East-West coast of the United States; Fostering knowledge sharing between global thought leaders, academics and practitioners in housing, economic development, innovation, placemaking and many more; publishing innovative policy communiques and white papers on urban challenges. Ed was at his best – inspiring, connecting, provoking and teaching. Ed, it has been a privilege to learn from and be inspired by you.

Dearest Ed, how lucky I was to be introduced to you by our great friend Betty Hamilton. She knew we’d become good friends. How could we not – you are my fellow American “down under” and we share, of course, a professional appetite for urbanity and a love of life, generally. You opened the door for me to teach at the University of Sydney and to share colleagues across the globe. I so admire your ability to soak in every moment and to turn it into a savoured opportunity to improve, or in your words, shape the world. Our Saturday morning brekkies are the highlight of my week They are a time where again, I feel privileged to be in your presence and to share ad hoc conversations on politics, fashion, travel and, sometimes, just stuff. And even now, towards the end of your life, you are embracing it, reaching out, smiling, laughing and living it to the full. You are an enduring example to us all, my friend. Saturday breakfast with friends

Betty Hamilton and Ian Duffield Like Kimberly, we greatly value, and look forward to our weekly breakfasts with you. Listening to your weekly US of Ed Podcasts is a must for us every Friday and we love discussing it with you when we get together. Although we haven’t been fortunate enough to have direct involvement with your professional life and your many spectacular achievements, just knowing about them is an inspiration to us and your friendship means so very much.

Ed and I met at football – what Aussies would call “gridiron” – as officials. He’d been a referee for several years, whereas I was an eager newcomer. As countrymen, we Americans drifted together and soon became fast friends, both on and off the field. As I got to know Ed, I soon felt a kinship, based in part on the fact that I thought I was one of the few people in Australia who could understand the journey his life had taken – as a Black man growing up in United States the ‘40s and ‘50s, as an undersized defensive back who still managed to play in college and even make it to the NFL, as a kid in the army, as a young PhD working in the Nixon White House, as an academic and part of the government, as an expatriate living away from the land of his birth. Being from Texas, I understood the significance of race for a Black person, the many unseen hurdles that he would have faced as he worked to fulfill his potential and realise the vision for his life. I appreciated the way he’d navigated these complexities without letting them define him. Sometimes, our affinity and friendship spilled over in unexpected ways. I remember being mistaken for his son at an RSL in Parramatta and for his boyfriend while having dinner in Mosman. Ed was on my officiating crew for 5 years, usually in the position of line judge or linesman, controlling one sideline or the other, keeping time as the game progressed. Always fearless, he stayed close to the action, even when that meant getting in the way of huge players bearing down on him. I particularly remember him getting smashed by two players who were running for the end zone. After getting bowled head over heels – literally – Ed jumped up and gave the signal for a touchdown. He was 81 at the time. Ed later came to work for me at Catholic Healthcare, researching ageism in the workforce for people over the age of 70. Our ambition is to change the Australian government’s policy settings to enable older Australians to work if they choose, thereby enhancing their lives and contributing to the nation’s workforce. In all, it’s been quite a ride with Ed and one I’ve both enjoyed and benefited from enormously. I’m happy to have a friend who has brought so much joy and interest to my life.

Collaboration and Impact with Ed I first met Ed in person in 2017, though I was already acquainted with many of his books. Together, we journeyed across Italy, giving lectures and guidance in 25 different locations—including regions like Veneto, Piedmont, Tuscany, Marche, Umbria, and Lazio. Our visits spanned universities, regional and municipal authorities, and even included a private meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, where we spent an hour brainstorming. During this session, we played a significant role in the reconstruction efforts following the central Italy earthquake and influenced the national approach to rebuilding. Ed introduced a novel method for reconstruction—one that focuses on shaping the future vision of affected sites. This approach has since become a benchmark across Italy. Over the years, I have collaborated with Ed on numerous occasions. He has not only become a close friend, but also an academic mentor and guide. We have participated in over a dozen field visits across Italy and Spain, and have given many conferences together. Thanks to Ed’s influence, I have learned to integrate my ethical perspective with my professional work. Now, encouraged by Ed, we are establishing a research centre dedicated to supporting long-term disaster recovery. This centre will assist communities in rebuilding by training local leaders and providing support to public administrations, ensuring our impact endures well into the future. Our friendship and activities in Italy

Following my trip with Ed and Steve Goldman to Bhutan, Ed, Gene Zahas and I took a trip to India. Gene's friendship with Ed was an outgrowth of my Brother Mike's friends group which Ed was a part of. Ed saw in Gene a man of great potential and took it upon himself to introduce Gene to the serving Mayor of Oakland and various important committees. Gene soon found himself running a campaign for the Oakland Public Schools to encourage voters to approve new bond financing to support our failing public school system. To everyone's surprise, the bond Measure passed - though many doubted it would. Gene went on to be a key advisor to the Mayor and involved in every major financial commitment of the City. I attribute this to Ed's insight and mentoring of Gene. A highlight of the trip came as we waited to board a yacht to cruse the river system East of Kerala, a popular tourist destination. Our starting point was an upscale resort on the shores of the river system. Staying at the resort was a large (four couples) group of Texans. Normally, you are greeted in a warm and welcoming way by countrymen in foreign lands. Not this time. The Texans would have nothing to do with us. There we were two groups standing of the dock waiting for our boats to arrive. First the Texans boarded two 20' yachts, looking very pleased. There ships moved off the dock and took a holding pattern while a very large yacht - 85' long - our boat. We were secretly delighted.

Your project literature enumerates three goals: the development must relate to the environment, relate to the community and be responsive to government concerns about this area. Please elaborate. We have three guiding principles as we approach every project, including Dos Lagos. One, is that we work with nature, not against nature. We think natural resources add value to our project and it's good business to be responsive to the resource agencies. By being responsive and understanding to the interests of federal, state and local resource agencies, we can get our permit process done faster and move forward with our project. In addition, being sensitive to nature is good business. People love nature, they want to be close to nature, and by preserving open space, we add value. Second, we work with the community. By that I mean by we are sensitive to the history and cultures of a community. We don't think every community is the same and we think it's not respectful to go in and try to implement the same cookie cutter formula. By being sensitive to the community, by learning about the history and culture of a community, not only do we engage them in the planning process, but they also establish the same respect for us. Finding out what the community needs can also help us develop good market studies. By implementing community wishes we create a respectful relationship and doing so does not have to be very costly. Sometimes developers are against working with communities because they think that it's going to cost them a lot of money. It doesn't have to. Very small things can make your project sensitive to the community. The third principal is understanding and working with government. We think by understanding the policies and the desires of the political leadership and administrative management in government, we can create public-private partnerships that work.