Michael Owens has extensive experience of running planning, economic development and regeneration projects though public/ private partnerships across the UK. As Head of Development Policy at the London Development Agency he played a leading role in bringing forward housing and economic development. He has advised on the development of the London 2012 Olympic Park in the Lower Lea, and recently worked on the masterplan for Stratford, East London. Since 2007, Michael has been working as a consultant and adviser to local authorities, government departments, and partnerships across England and Wales.

Michael also speaks and writes about city planning and development. His essay The Planned City has just been published in the Lure of the City (ed Williams and Donald, 2011). He is a member of the Editorial Board for the journal Local Economy. He is studying towards a Doctorate at Salford School for the Built and Human Environment.