Valesa Faria

Biografía: Valesa Faria is the inaugural Executive Director, Development Review at the City of Toronto since April 2024. In this role, Valesa oversees a multidisciplinary team of professionals who are involved in the development review process including Community Planning, Engineering Review (including Transportation Review) and Business Process and Strategy. Valesa and her team are responsible for streamlining the development review process, improving consistency and transparency for all stakeholders, expediting the review of development applications and ultimately, getting more affordable homes within well-planned, complete communities built faster. Valesa has over two decades of experience working in both the private and public sectors and overseeing diverse portfolios including residential and commercial leasing, asset management, development and housing policy. Prior to her current role, Valesa was the Director of the City’s Housing Secretariat where she led the development of system-level housing policy and programs, and oversaw a wide range of affordable housing projects. Valesa describes herself as an avid city and community builder who is focused on creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Toronto where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.