Books and Published Articles
by Mitchell Cohen

“This book is a revolutionary ray of sunshine. Mitchell Cohen’s herculean story of the revitalization of Regent Park provides an antidote to a world weighted down by seemingly insurmountable social problems. Read it and re-ignite your idealism.”

– Denise Donlon, C.M., Music and Media Executive

“Rhythms of Change chronicles the Regent Park revitalization story, but also the personal journey of a true champion of progressive urban change. This gem of a book is essential reading for anyone interested in building strong, resilient communities.”

– Meric Gertler, President of The University of Toronto

“Artisan: a disciplined, determined practitioner of their craft. Living it so fully and completely, lifting it to an art. Miles Davis to jazz. The Beatles to rock and roll. Bialetti to espresso machines. Jane Jacobs to urban planning. Dare I say. Add Mitchell Cohen to community building.”

– Daniele Zanotti, CEO United Way Greater Toronto

“Mitchell Cohen’s insights remind us of the need for both long-term vision and short-term pragmatism. His confidence in humanity, his dedication and persistence in building TRUST are needed now as never before.”

– Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, 2014 – 2023

“Cohen writes passionately and with great insight and knowledge. Rhythms of Change is a story for the ages, and an inspiration for anyone determined to build robust, healthy, socially just and ultimately successful urban communities.”

– Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice Chancellor
Toronto Metropolitan University

“Mitchell Cohen is a remarkable man, a musician, a huge talent and someone who inspires. Above all…a great humanitarian. And he made monumental change happen in Regent Park, Toronto.”

– Bob Rae, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations

“The Regent Park revitalization has re-set the bar for what community transformation can look like. The real learnings here – which Cohen details in an endearing, almost lyrical way — are to be gleaned from the creative, collaborative, and extraordinarily generous processes that Cohen stewarded.”

– Mary W Rowe. President & CEO, Canada’s Urban Institute

“The Regent Park story must be told. This ground-breaking urban transformation is a model of community, partnership and rising above countless obstacles. Mitchell Cohen brilliantly uses the structure of music to weave together a narrative that is rich in both meaning and emotion.”

– Anne Sado, President Emeritus, George Brown College

“Many doubted the possibility of success. Thanks to the women and men who played starring roles in Cohen’s account, the revitalization is recognized as a gold standard for the transformation of challenged inner city neighbourhoods.”

“Cohen’s book contains many practical lessons in inclusive urbanism, lessons we need to learn to address Canada’s housing affordability crisis.”

– Romy Bowers, Director, Office of Risk Management, International Monetary Fund, and former CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“Rhythms of Change is a case study of how great public/private projects can still be done. Perhaps the revitalization has been so successful because Cohen enlisted so many talented people and gave credit to everyone else. The world needs more projects like this and more Mitchell Cohens to make them happen.”

– David Peterson, Former Premier of Ontario

“Rhythms of Change offers a glimpse into the heart of a man whose unwavering commitment to affordable housing has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Although he credits everyone who contributed to this journey, what shines through is that he was the master conductor, orchestrating a complex symphony, writing and improvising along the way to create something beautiful for the people of Regent Park”

– Bill Morneau, Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Regent Park

“It is no accident that Cohen’s love of music and roots in affordable housing leads him to treat development less like a soloist than as the member of an ensemble band. The key takeaway is that to be a developer is to build buildings. To be a city builder is to co-create communities.”

– Matti Siemiatycki, Director of the Infrastructure Institute and Professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto.

“Listening with respect. Seizing the moment. Finding roads to yes instead of no. These are some of the principles guiding Mitchell Cohen’s journey leading the revitalization of Regent Park. Cohen’s compelling stories are essential reading for anyone wanting to build healthy communities and revitalize old ones.”

– Barbara Hall. former Mayor of Toronto