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Our Story

               

Founded by Maurice and Zoé; AgoraAdvisors originated from a shared vision, one that recognized the transformative power of innovative urban development. Established as a think tank, we bridge the gap between academic research, the private sector, and urban communities to create actionable solutions.. 

Maurice, a Hamilton native, bridges the worlds of social epidemiology, urban development, and entrepreneurship. His work at Harvard University and MIT focuses on reimagining housing systems and ownership models that advance equity through profitable, scalable solutions. With a foundation in Health Sciences from McMaster University and a track record of founding three successful ventures, Maurice brings both theoretical depth and practical execution to Agora's mission of transforming urban development. He leads the company's strategic vision and integrated approach to creating sustainable, community-centered urban solutions.

Zoé drives Agora's evidence-based approach to urban development, combining her public health expertise with proven team leadership. Currently completing her Master's in Public Health at McMaster University, where she also earned her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences, she specializes in the relationship between built environments and community health outcomes. Having managed various teams in professional and academic settings, she brings extensive leadership experience combined with comprehensive research expertise in clinical and population health domains.

We translate research insights into market-ready strategies. By integrating with the broader Agora ecosystem, we extend our impact by connecting theoretical frameworks with practical applications to address complex urban challenges.

Addressing Contradictions in Affordable Housing
          

The affordable housing sector exemplifies these systemic contradictions. Public funds intended to enhance community well-being often inadvertently fuel private wealth accumulation. Tenants, who should be primary beneficiaries of housing subsidies, are frequently excluded from wealth generation opportunities. This misalignment disenfranchises residents and undermines community cohesion and long-term sustainability.

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Reform starts with transforming residents from renters into stakeholders. When residents hold ownership stakes, they gain equity and decision-making power over their living environment. For developers, this approach opens new opportunities where incorporating gradual ownership transfer can align financial incentives with community needs, ensuring long-term affordability and property maintenance. By realigning financial and social incentives, we can create sustainable housing environments. 

Capabilities
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Within our core services, AgoraAdvisors leverages interdisciplinary research and innovative ownership structures to transform housing development challenges into opportunities for community wealth building. 

Cooperative Housing Model Innovation

Designing and implementing novel ownership structures that balance community control with financial sustainability.

Equity-Building Framework Design

Creating mechanisms for residents to build wealth through participation in housing development and management.

Ownership Transition Planning

Developing strategies for gradual transfer of ownership from developers to residents while maintaining property value.

Data Equity Analytics

Ensuring fair representation in urban data collection and analysis to drive inclusive decision-making in housing development.

Systems Mapping and Modeling

Creating comprehensive visualizations of urban housing ecosystems to identify leverage points for systemic change.

​Risk-Sharing Model Development

Structuring frameworks that distribute development and operational risks equitably among stakeholders.

Market Analysis

Conducting comprehensive studies to identify opportunities and challenges in adopting new housing paradigms and innovative urban solutions.

Academic Partnerships

Collaborating with academic institutions to advance research and educate future leaders in urban development.

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