James L Robinson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT JAMES L ROBINSON

James Robinson has been improving the vitality of city centres for over 28 years. His work transforms areas into vibrant mixed-use districts in partnership with city governments, social services, police services, and private sector interests. James began his career in Toronto working with the business association of a luxury retail and residential district. From there he took the initiative to found Toronto’s flagship Business Improvement Area on the city’s most famous street – Yonge Street. James established the organization, secured the funding of businesses and property owners, built a strong team, and led the district to a remarkable transformation. He also served as Chair of the International Downtown Association, with a network of colleagues that shares best practices from around the world. Having contributed to the evolution of Business Improvement Areas in North America, James started the next chapter of his career in the UK at the Heart of London Business Alliance. James is most proud of working with property owners in realizing the UK’s first two Property Owner Business Improvement Districts, having secured their funding of £8.3 million over 5 years - with place management initiatives being key. James worked across all strands of the organization - leading the organization’s advocacy agenda, policy consultation responses, operations, and stakeholder engagement. James returned to Canada in 2019 to serve as the Corporate BIA Infrastructure Specialist in his home City of Edmonton. Through this role, he works across the City corporation in aligning strategies and tactics to meet the infrastructure and operational needs of the City’s 13 Business Improvement Area partners. Through his work he sets the tone for being business-friendly while working through budgetary and resource constraints.