Join SPT and our budget partners to hear our analysis of the 2025 City Budget at this virtual town hall. For decades, Social Planning Toronto has been offering budget town halls that translate complex budget documents for community organizations, groups, and residents so they can more effectively shape the City Budget. This town hall will be an opportunity to learn about what’s needed to support communities in this year’s budget and how we can take collective action.
Please register to secure your free spot.
Speakers:
Sara Beyer is a policy professional with experience in the non-profit, public, and private sectors, where she has focused her practice on housing affordability and Indigenous-settler relations. Sara is currently the Manager of Policy with the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR), where she works to advance human rights-based housing policy at all levels of government. Prior to joining CCHR, Sara held policy roles with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, and the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
Diana Chan McNally is a long-time front-line community worker and advocate advancing the rights of homeless people, particularly in encampments. She is currently employed by The Shift, a global housing rights organization, and volunteers with St. Luke's Out of the Cold drop-in meal program.
Daniella Leacock is a proud Black, queer Caribbean woman deeply committed to community care and advocacy. As the Manager of the Toronto Drop-In Network, Daniella brings extensive experience in the drop-in, harm reduction, mental health, and HIV sectors. Rooted in respect and gratitude for those who have paved the way, she approaches her work with compassion and dedication to uplifting marginalized voices. She continues to prioritize joy within her personal and professional life and loves swimming, trying new restaurants with friends, and going to Toronto Island in the summer.
Stephen Mensah serves as the Executive Director of the Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC), representing over 623,000 young Torontonians. Under his leadership, the TYC has successfully influenced multiple policy changes that have benefited Ontario's 2 million students, such as ensuring free menstrual products are provided in schools and de-streaming Grade 9. The TYC has led initiatives addressing community safety and youth unemployment, securing an additional $15 million for youth programs and establishing 5 new youth hubs in Toronto. Stephen was recognized by Toronto Life as one of Toronto’s Rising Stars in 2023.
Nigel Morton is the Campaign Manager at TTCriders, and managed the campaign that recently won federal funding for new trains on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. Nigel grew up in Toronto and wants to see the TTC become everyone's first choice for getting around.
August Puranauth is a Community Planner at TTCriders. They are a student at Toronto Metropolitan University. They are from North York and care about livable cities with great transit.
Saman Tabasinejad is the Executive Director at Progress Toronto. She has degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. She is particularly interested in how large policy decisions affect everyday lives. Saman is dedicated to building a progressive city and making room for women, especially young, racialized women, to take space, influence policymaking, and run for office.
Beth Wilson is the lead on policy and research at Social Planning Toronto, starting at the organization in 2002. She has a Master of Social Work (MSW), Policy, Organization and Community.