From Vision to Viability
Financially testing development projects and land use policies to maximize value.
WHO WE ARE
A land economics firm focused on the social and financial impacts of land-use decisions.
City Squared is a land economics firm focused on the social and financial impacts of land-use decisions. What sets us apart is the breadth of our experience. We work with governments to shape effective policy, and with non-profit organizations and developers to plan and build projects.
Because we understand the fundamentals of development from every angle, our policy recommendations fully reflect market complexity and interdependencies. Our work with building operators, developers, non-profits, and municipal and provincial clients gives us a 360-degree view of the industry. This perspective allows us to test policy assumptions realistically and ensure that well-intentioned details don’t inadvertently deter development or limit the ability to deliver needed supply.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
We make the financial realities of land use clear so clients can make confident, informed decisions.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
We support non-profit organizations through the early stages of the development process, helping them navigate funding options, regulatory frameworks, and project feasibility. By analyzing how built form, zoning, and density shape both costs and opportunities, we identify pathways to maximize social value. Our approach clarifies key tradeoffs so non-profits can make informed decisions and deliver impactful, sustainable projects.
DEVELOPMENT VIABILITY TESTING
Development strategies depend on funding, ownership, operational models, and the regulatory environment. We test how changes to zoning, height, density, and FSR interact with financing and ownership structures to shape project viability. This integrated approach ensures clients understand their best options and the scenarios that unlock the greatest value.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT POLICY
At City Squared, we specialize in developing population, housing, and employment projections to guide land use decisions and development strategies. These forecasts provide the foundation for site-specific or city-wide land use planning, as well as capital planning and long-term operational strategies that inform funding and finance decisions.
FUNDING AND FINANCE
Municipal finance is complex and we help clients navigate that complexity. At City Squared, we develop practical funding strategies for new communities and test the long-term operational and asset management implications of infrastructure investments. From water and sewer to parks and community amenities, we support municipalities in making capital decisions that are financially sustainable.
FINANCIAL TESTING OF GOVERNMENT POLICY
Land-use policies like Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws have powerful financial effects, and we make those effects transparent. Through detailed feasibility modeling, we show how policy choices can either enable development or limit its potential. Our work equips municipalities to create policy frameworks that unlock value and encourage supply.
CASE STUDY
Project Spotlight
MISSION WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION
CitySquared completed a market study and funding strategy for a mixed use waterfront master plan in Mission British Columbia.
Winner of a Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) Silver Medal for Best Rural or Small Town Plan in 2023.
Client:
City of Mission
WORKING WITH CITY SQUARED
Better planning starts with great partnerships.
Andrea’s expertise is instrumental in our work for Propellor Advisors clients. Her deep understanding of land use economics and finance allows us to navigate the complexities of mixed-use, affordable housing real estate development projects with confidence.
Bob Prenovost
Co-Founder & Senior Advisor, Propellor Advisors
Andrea is a joy to work with and City Squared Consulting brings exceptional skill to every assignment. Their talent for building shared understanding of policy context and project feasibility makes them an indispensable partner.
Adam Mattinson
Land Economics Lead,
B&A Planning
I am extremely pleased with City Squared's work and appreciate the true spirit of collaboration, engagement and quality results they provided us with. It was a true pleasure working with them. The landowners, community and other key stakeholders will benefit from the work for generations.
Stacey Crawford
Chief Executive Officer, Mission Bridgehead Investment Corporation
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ANDREA'S FOCUS AND EXPERTISE
Tailored strategies for land use and project feasibility.
Andrea Renney is the principal of City Squared Consulting and is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and Land Economist. She has a Bachelor of Commerce in Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Queen’s University.
She has two decades of experience in the areas of redevelopment economics, financial testing of planning policy, municipal finance, demographic analysis and growth management policy. She is based out of Vancouver, B.C. and has worked for municipalities, public agencies, landowners and non-government organizations across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
Tel. 604.355.5243
arenney@citysquaredconsulting.com
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
© 2026 City Squared Consulting.