For more testimonial relating to my affordable housing work, please visit my co-operative housing website.
“Yuri is extremely well read and willingly shares with us his experience and a wisdom far beyond his years. He has insights which always bring new perspectives to our work in the community housing sector. Regardless of the topic at hand he’s got something to say that—without fail—enhances the conversation, advancing the group toward innovative solutions and action.”
—Art Farquharson, President, Community Land Trust Foundation of BC (2016-2018)
“Yuri is thoughtful, intelligent and never afraid to challenge the status quo.”
—Cassia Kantrow, President, CHF BC (2017-2018)
“I found Yuri to have the ability to see the bigger picture with vision and foresight. He demonstrated leadership abilities as well as being a team player.”
—Isabel Evans, Past President, CHF BC (2012-2014)
“Having collaborated with Yuri on a number of occasions, I don’t hesitate to say that he is an amazing individual to work with. Not only is he very knowledgable about a variety of issues surrounding the urban environment, but also, his commitment and passion regarding all the facets that shape the built world is unmistakable. Furthermore, he constantly goes beyond the call-of-duty to help foster these same feelings in others.”
—Erick Villagomez, Founder and Chief Editor, Spacing Vancouver Magazine and Principal, Metis Design-Build
“Yuri is one of those unique individuals you meet that doesn’t fit any traditional mold – and that’s a good thing… He’s not a “suit” and he’s not a hippie – he’s the best of it all.”
—Rhonda Bannard, Chief Connector, Inspired Connections
“Yuri is fantastic contributor to Spacing. His expertise includes a depth of knowledge on topics like urban design, walking issues, but also include an excellent skill-set in social media, writing, and editing.”
— Matthew Blackett, Publisher & Creative Director, Spacing
“I know of your amazing Jane’s Walk work… Keep it up. You are one of our stars.”
— Roberta Brandes Gratz, award-winning journalist and urban critic, lecturer and author
“Yuri has the ability to organize communities in productive, creative ways, and to inspire people in the process. Organized, efficient, passionate and a great collaborator. Working with Yuri and seeing the results of his dedicated work is a joy.”
— Stephen Goldsmith, Professor, University of Utah College of Architecture and Planning
“Yuri’s development and management of our social media presence has made a strong difference in creating and maintaining readership and developing partnerships. It has also reinforced the professional orientation and face for the publication as a thought leader in West Coast and Canadian Urbanism.”
—Brendan Hurley, Associate Editor, Spacing Vancouver and Urban Designer at VIA Architecture
“Yuri is well known for his personality and willingness to help wherever he can”
—Si Robins, Managing Editor , Downtown Phoenix Journal
“Yuri’s commitment to exploring and reporting on the urban environment and policy is absolutely remarkable… Yuri doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk for real.”
—Alison King, Founding Editor, ModernPhoenix.net
“Yuri captures his passion for strengthening vibrant communities to get neighborhood members engaged. Yuri guides them into digging deeper into the stories that are encased in our urban environment.”
—Khamis Hammoudeh, Sustainability advocate