At BILD Edmonton Metro’s City Analytics: Leveraging Data for Urban Development luncheon, one powerful industry leader explored how analytics and urban planning intersect in shaping Alberta’s future. That leader was Murtaza Haider, Professor of Data Science and Real Estate Management and Radhe Krishna Executive Chair in Cities and Communities at the Alberta School of Business, and Executive Director of the Cities Institute at the University of Alberta.
The event was moderated by Kalen Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton Metro, and highlighted how data can both transform the way cities grow and how data informs real-world policy, planning, and investment decisions.
Haider opened with a clear message: “Cities are systems driven by measurable patterns,” he said. “We want to know what’s happening in Edmonton and where the jobs are growing.”
Understanding the economics of cities and regions is essential for effective planning, and data offers a powerful lens to interpret where growth is occurring — and where it isn’t. Haider emphasized the importance of collaboration between municipalities, academic institutes, and industry partners to ensure these insights translate into actionable strategies.
Connecting business analytics to city building
Business analytics and emerging technologies are key in accelerating decision-making within the development sector, as data science allows planners and policymakers to identify early signals in population shifts, labour trends, housing demand, and infrastructure pressures. For industry leaders, knowing which indicators to watch, such as household formation rates, income trends, and employment clusters, provides invaluable foresight into future market conditions and development opportunities.
Haider also voiced the importance of transportation and regional connectivity. As analytics continue to inform the evolution of transportation networks, we must also ensure that they align with housing development and long-term urban growth. “Mobility drives economic competitiveness, and Alberta’s major cities stand to benefit from deeper regional integration,” he said. “So, it’s not just about Edmonton; it’s about Edmonton and Calgary working together.”
High-speed rail emerged as a particularly compelling topic, with Haider outlining a vision for a transportation loop connecting Edmonton to Calgary, Banff, Jasper, and Hinton. This approach, he argued, is more cost-effective than single-line routes, and would link both major airports, promote tourism, and strengthen inter-city labour mobility.
Environmental stewardship also surfaced as a critical consideration. The conversation touched on the tension between protecting national parks and promoting sustainable tourism. Using data to measure environmental impact, visitor patterns, and infrastructure stress can help policymakers strike the right balance between conservation and regional economic benefit.
Using data for the future
As the discussion shifted to infrastructure, Haider underscored how cities can use analytics to predict future needs in utilities, transportation, and housing. As populations grow and shift, infrastructure demands evolve. Business analytics help planners anticipate these pressures, invest strategically, and build resilience into urban systems before issues become urgent.
During the fireside chat, both Anderson and Haider explored the challenges and opportunities ahead for cities embracing data-driven planning. “Our industry needs to harness integrated datasets, AI-driven forecasting, and smart city tools to become more prepared for future urbanization trends,” said Haider. “But most of all, collaboration will be a cornerstone of successful regional planning and investment.”
The luncheon closed with a forward-looking reminder: cities that use data to guide their growth can most effectively adapt to change, manage complexity, and seize emerging opportunities. By embracing analytics, regional cooperation, and technology-driven planning, Edmonton’s urban network can build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Active Homes, our Host Bar Sponsor, Genstar, our Lunch Sponsor, Hi Signs, our Support Sponsor, SINGH BUILDERS, and our Creative Sponsor, MLZ CREATIVE!
Written by Payton Phillips