Andre Isakov, Park Planning and Design Manager for the city of Coquitlam, is passionate about sustainable community development, strategic planning and municipal governance. His master's degree in urban studies makes him well versed in the difficulties of public administration, land-use and park planning. In 2011, as Community and Economic Development Officer, Isakov helped Harrison Hot Springs decrease their carbon footprint and become the first carbon-neutral local government in BC. Small-scale entrepreneurship has the power to transform cities and neighbourhoods, re-energizing urban vitality. Small Business and the City: The Transformative Potential of Small-Scale Entrepreneurship (University of Toronto Press $29.95) explores the idea of Business Improvement Area (BIA) a homegrown Canadian concept, where small-scale entrepreneurs pool resources with like-minded businesses. This amalgamation of abilities rejuvenates urban areas by attracting talent and creating an incubator for local innovation. With BIA spreading globally, Isakov, in conjunction with fellow writers, Rafael Gomez and Matt Semansky, analyses the policies needed for cities wanting to encourage and support urban vitality. Isakov et al introduce a new "main street agenda"; for twenty-first century cities.

BOOKS:

Small Business and the City: The Transformative Potential of Small-Scale Entrepreneurship (University of Toronto Press 2014) $29.95 978-1-4426-1209-9

[BCBW 2014]