Amanda O’Rourke

Amanda O’Rourke is the Executive Director of 8 80 Cities, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to ignite action and challenge the status quo to create healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable cities. She has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector leading strategic planning, partnership development, and managing high impact teams. She has led diverse equitable mobility and public space projects in cities and towns in North America, Europe, and Australia. Amanda is a sought-after thought leader, writer, speaker, and experienced facilitator. She enjoys working collaboratively with city governments and community partners to make it easier for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to walk, bike, take public transit, and build sense of belonging and connection in public spaces. 

Amanda holds a Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Queen’s University. She is the Co-Chair of the Children Play and Nature Committee for World Urban Parks, and Advisory Board Member to Healthy Places By Design. Amanda is the proud mom of three energetic kids who inspire her work and continually inform her approach to city building and placemaking.  She’s been called “the choreographer of happiness” which is one of the best titles she could possibly think of receiving.