We are proud to announce that KMA Director Jas Atwal has become the new Chair of the Academy of Urbanism. She succeeded Andrew Burrell in January.

Jas has been actively involved in the AoU since its Foundation in 2006, having participated in Awards Assessments and orchestrated many of its events, including 10 Congresses and the landmark Freiburg Charter Weekend.

She has brought cities, speakers, sponsors and new members to the Academy, including during the challenging period of Covid.

She has been a Director of the Academy since 2018, Vice Chair since 2021 and was responsible for co-drafting the Academy’s EDI policy.

Jas said ‘the Academy is a wonderful learning network and an inclusive ‘home’ to many committed urbanists, whether planners, designers, economists, transport specialists or, like myself, those working in community and stakeholder engagement. I am looking forward to our Team taking forward the lessons of socially inclusive placemaking, particularly at our Congress in Cambridge in July.’

KMA has been a big supporter of the AoU since it was launched, recognising its important cross-sectoral contribution to learning and good practice, nationally and internationally.