Tom van Geest is an experienced project leader and expert at the intersection of urban planning, participation and self-managed neighbourhoods. Tangible results are the basis for a clear vision on ambitious but achievable strategies and plans. He works on the entire urban development process, from initial concept to execution. In these processes, residents, entrepreneurs & government design and invest through co-creation. This is supported by smart use of culture, data and digital solutions that give everyone a voice. Current innovation projects focus on building scalable structures and methods for self-managed neighbourhoods and public services.
Project experience in Canada, Ethiopia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Iraq, Kenya, Mozambique, Netherlands, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and United Kingdom. Clients and partners range from community groups to city governments, the EU and international institutions. Specific community contexts include work with marginalised youth, refugees & internally-displaced persons and local entrepreneurs. Long-time expert for VNG International, the cooperation agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities.