Remembering the Legacy of Professor Edward J. Blakely: A Pillar in Urban Planning

Honoring Professor Edward J. Blakely: A Beacon of Urban Planning

On February 7, 2026, leaders from various sectors including academia, government, and business united at the University of California, Riverside, to pay tribute to a monumental figure in urban policy, Professor Edward James Blakely. The heartfelt memorial service honored the life and achievements of a man whose work deeply influenced urban planning and disaster recovery not only in the U.S. but worldwide.

The event, skillfully hosted by Ali Sahabi, CEO of Optimum Group LLC and a former mentee of Dr. Blakely, brought together notable personalities including Robert J. Nava, Vice President emeritus of California State University, San Bernardino, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Blakely’s unwavering commitment to social equity and urban development was highlighted by tributes from his colleagues and mentees. Attorney Jeffrey J. Thomas, who worked alongside Blakely in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, shared touching anecdotes about Dr. Blakely’s compassion and leadership during the city’s recovery.

Born in San Bernardino, California, Blakely was a trailblazer in academia and a dedicated public servant. He gained recognition not only as one of the first Black graduates of UC Riverside but also as a U.S. Air Force veteran and foreign service officer. His profound scholarship tackled the complexities of poverty, inequality, and urban growth, significantly impacting urban planning policies through influential works such as Planning Local Economic Development and Separate Societies: Poverty and Inequality in the U.S.

As a leading scholar, Dr. Blakely advised worldwide governments on urban policy, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. He played a crucial role as the Recovery Director in New Orleans for two years following Hurricane Katrina, where his expertise contributed to the establishment of resilient communities post-disaster.

Blakely’s innovations also reached the global stage as he consulted for various international governments, including Japan, Turkey, and Chile, providing insights on urban planning and disaster recovery policies. His work extended into multiple leadership positions, including serving as a special advisor for three U.S. presidential administrations, and his roles in Australia as both District Commissioner for the Greater Sydney Commission and Acting Commissioner on the New South Wales Land and Environment Court.

The impact of his teachings and mentorship has been lauded by many, including Dr. Don Perlgut, who spoke of their shared professional journey over decades. In the academic realm, Dr. Robert Cervero, Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley, recognized Blakely as one of the few scholars who successfully bridged research and public activism, deeply inspiring his students with not only his dedication but also his warmth.

Students, colleagues, and community members celebrated Blakely’s lifelong dedication to social justice and sustainable urban development. His efforts ushered in critical relationships between urban planners and the communities they served, emphasizing the need to integrate community voices into the policy-making process.

Riverside County’s Optimum Seismic COO, Ali Sahabi, reflected on how Dr. Blakely’s insights influenced significant projects like the acclaimed Dos Lagos mixed-use development, recognized for its approach to sustainable community development.

In addition to his numerous roles and accolades, Dr. Blakely was recognized by UN Habitat in 2012 for his noteworthy contributions to social justice and equitable urban planning. His legacy is encapsulated not only in his professional achievements but also through his profound personal connections with those he mentored and guided throughout his career.

Blakely’s remarkable journey came to an end on September 6, 2025, in Sydney, Australia, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Maaike, daughters, and grandchildren, as well as countless mentees worldwide.

In memory of Dr. Edward J. Blakely, donations can be made to the UC Riverside African American Student Programs, contributing to the ongoing impact of his legacy and the educational pursuits he championed.

His remarkable career in urban planning will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his vision of equitable and resilient community development lives on.