Gil
Penalosa

Helping You Create 8 & 80 Cities for Everyone

Inspirational Keynotes | Strategic Advising | Useful Workshops

Gil’s Vision

is creating
‘Neighbourhood-Cities’
that are Equitable, Sustainable and fun, where everyone, especially Children and Olders, live Healthier and Happier.

Who is Gil

Gil (Guillermo) Penalosa has a unique blend of experience, knowledge and pragmatism that has taken him to work in over 350 cities around the world.

In Bogotá, Colombia, he led the construction of over 200 parks, and transformed a small program called Ciclovia into the world’s largest ‘linear park’, over 120 km, where every Sunday and Holiday over 1.5 million people of all ages and backgrounds come out to walk, bike, run, shop, and mostly, to enjoy the presence of each other.

He’s a sought-after keynote speaker in multiple topics, for his capacity to inspire, open minds, get people moving from talking to doing. He is a Certified Professional Speaker.

Contact GIL

Gil’s Main Topics

Services
Offered by Gil

The 8 80 Cities Connection

Gil is the Founder & Chair of 8 80 Cities. After many years running the organization as Executive Director, he now serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.

8 80 Cities, Gil Penalosa & Associates, and Cities for Everyone, work closely on some projects when they require the strengths of more than one organization.

Gil’s Cities

Because of Gil’s unique blend of experience, pragmatism and passion, many cities and organizations worldwide seek his leadership and valuable advice.

He has worked in over 350 different cities in all continents. His work intersects with. a number of fields such as transportation, public health, urban planning, parks and recreation, environment, education, and economic development.

Testimonials

Janette Sadik-Khan Principal, Bloomberg Associates.

“Gil – You are so inspiring, and I can’t tell you how much it means to have such a great partner and ambassador supporting our work both here and around the world. All best and thanks again from one of your biggest fans.”

(F) NYC DOT Commissioner.

Peter Harnik, Director City Park Excellence, TPL

“Gil, your broad experience, clear-eyed analysis, infectious enthusiasm and amazing accomplishments make you a ‘global treasure’ in the urban parks movement. Keep you great work!”

Washington, USA

Leah Shahum, Former Executive Director San Fco Bike Coalition; Founder & Chair Vision Zero

“Gil, I truly cannot thank you enough for what you accomplished during your visit. You really succeeded in firing up our own (already-commited) troops and reminding them why our work at the ground level is so critical. And you raised the thinking and expectations of our city leaders to a new level. This is unprecedented.”

USA

Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria, BC, Canada

“Gil is one of the most inspiring people I know. I first met him when he came to Victoria to help plan our bike network. His mix of warmth, intellect, experience and humor makes him a pleasure to work with; I look forward to future projects.”

Victoria, BC, Canada

Rob Adams, Director City Design

“Gil Penalosa is one of those charismatic leaders that needs to be heard. His contribution in many cities around the world in providing simple solutions to improve the liveability of cities makes him a very important player in this age of urbanisation. Gil, founder of 8 80 Cities is a man who can assist in taking other cities forward on the quest for liveability.”

Melbourne, Australia

Fred Kent, President Project for Public Spaces (PPS)

“Gil is a forceful, passionate speaker about places that create happiness and community well-being. He is articulate as well as knowledgeable; he can put these issues into terms that a politician, lay-person, designer, transportation planner or community center manager can see the benefits these issues can bring to their community.”

USA

Jan Gehl, world renowned urbanist. Founder Gehl Architects

“For almost two decades I have been able to follow the work of Gil Penalosa, as well as cooperating more closely on a number of occasions. Cooperating with Gil has always been very fruitful and inspiring with direct links to the experiences Gil has acquired through his extensive work in Bogota, Colombia which is indeed a good place for starting a lifelong career for making better cities for people.”

Copenhagen, Denmark

From the webinars

Sustainable Favelas: The Key to Climate Justice and Thriving Cities?

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120606423.

Natural Playgrounds: The Science and Irony behind an Obvious Climate Solution

Key Takeaways ⇢ Design with children, not for them. ⇢ Sensory-rich environments, especially those engaging all five senses, are critical for early childhood development. ⇢ Nature-based play influences physical health, cognitive growth, and emotional well- being...

New Reykjavik: The transformation of a young city

Key Takeaways ⇢ Urban form directly affects mental, physical, and social health. ⇢ Planners, transport professionals, and climate advocates should use health framing to drive urban transformation. ⇢ A mix of social, student, workforce, and market housing was built...

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