Larry Beasley is recognized as an authority on urban development and urban issues. A senior planner with the city of Vancouver, he has played a leading role in transforming its downtown core into a vibrant, livable urban community. In doing so, he developed a participative and socially responsible approach to zoning, planning and design, which has become known internationally as the "Vancouver Model". His advice on ways to reinvigorate the urban environment has been sought by municipalities across Canada and by cities in the United States, China and New Zealand.