About Mike
Email mike [at] mikeklassen.net
Professional Profile
I am a goal-oriented corporate communications and public affairs professional with a passion for the fields of land use planning, economic development and government relations. Through business, issues advocacy, and managing election campaigns I've built a network that includes many of British Columbia's influential leaders.
I am known as a strong leader and team player, recognized for my skills of persuasion, problem-solving, and communications. I have established a personal reputation as an innovative thinker and a strong voice for safe, welcoming and walkable cities.
In 2008 I co-founded the widely read political & urban affairs blog “City Caucus”, which has led to me being sought after as a commentator in TV news and radio open-line programs on a wide range of topics.
Just in time for Vancouver's Olympics, we created an online guide to free events held during the 2010 Games which attracted millions of visits. Thanks to the guide's impact on our Olympic success, I was publicly credited by the Minister in charge with helping to turn around British Columbians’ surly attitude toward the 2010 Games. They became a glorious high-fiving community celebration and welcome-the-world party, and I'll always be very proud of this contribution toward building our city's reputation.
A supporter of the arts, I am the former Vice-Chair of the DOXA documentary festival board. I also served as Vice-Chair of the respected Vancouver City Planning Commission (2007 – 2009).
I am a Vancouver native, a proud Eastsider, a husband, and a dad. In my limited spare time I like to toil in my garden, visit with my neighbours, and, with my wife Stacey, indulge our passion for BC wine and wine travel.
About this website
A published writer since 1989 and web "publisher" since 1995, Mike Klassen's articles have been read by tens of thousands from around the globe, attracting responses from North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and even from a White House Webmaster.
"I have employed all the Wit and Humour of which I am Master in the following History; wherein I have endeavoured to laugh Mankind out of their favourite Follies and Vices. How far I have succeeded in this good Attempt, I shall submit to the candid Reader, with only two Requests:
First, that (s)he will not expect to find Perfection in this Work; and
Secondly, that (s)he will excuse some Parts of it, if they fall short of that little Merit which I hope may appear in others."
Henry Fielding, 1749
Preface to Tom Jones
As with the quote from Fielding's momentous novel Tom Jones, Mike's words and ideas are humbly submitted to readers on this website in the hope they will enjoy some part of them.
