Alexander Garvin has an extensive background in urban planning and real estate. From 1996–2005 he was managing director of planning for NYC2012, New York City’s committee for the 2012 Olympics bid. During 2002-2003 he was the vice president for planning, design and development at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the agency charged with the redevelopment of the World Trade Center following 9-11. Over the past 35 years he has held prominent positions in five New York City administrations. Currently he is president and CEO of Alex Garvin & Associates, and he is the adjunct professor of urban planning and management at Yale University. Larry Gray, editor of The Institutional Real Estate Letter, recently spoke with Garvin about urban planning, development and real estate investment.

As an urban planner, what is foremost on your agenda as far as implementation or change?

Foremost on our agenda is the public realm, which