Travis Fong

Originally from Halifax, I moved to Edmonton after graduating from Dalhousie University with a BA Honours in Sustainability and Political Science, with a minor in Economics. It was clear to me that the rigorous analytical framework economics provides would be valuable for my understanding of the multitude of facets that surround our energy transition. I became very passionate about economics thanks to the brilliant and engaging courses I took with the Department of Economics, with special thanks to Professor Talan İşcan for supporting my curiosity. Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that I enjoyed an incredible and nurturing education at Dalhousie. In 2017, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Waterloo.

Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I worked on multiple development projects including affordable seniors housing and renewable energy. I was intrigued by the efficiency and growth of cities. My passion for affordable housing and sustainability have led to my involvement in Edmonton’s infill community. In 2017, I co-founded YEGarden Suites, a non-profit that functions as an advocacy, education, and awareness organisation to support the densification of Edmonton through homeowner driven development. Between our policy advocacy and citizen empowerment, we have supported tens of millions of dollars of homeowner led investment into this housing form. Understanding the policy framework, and economic underpinnings behind Edmonton’s larger development strategy served our organisation well as we proposed changes and alterations to the regulations which were arbitrarily restrictive and reducing positive housing outcomes. I continue to serve as President and Executive Director of YEGarden Suites, and we strive to deliver extraordinary value to homeowners who are considering making an investment in their own backyard.

In 2021, I was the campaign manager for Ashley Salvador, my partner, co-founder, and another Dalhousie alumna, in Edmonton on her run for City Councillor. Communicating a clear, logical, and convincing message was a complex task that drew on all three of my specialisations. With respect to my background in economics through Edmonton’s Open Data, and Statistics Canada data, I used the qualitative and quantitative skills I learned throughout my studies to support our campaign strategy. Ultimately, elections are constrained optimization problems and the efficient allocation of campaign resources is incredibly important. Identifying past political behaviour and making predictions about future political behaviour and preferences is an incredibly powerful ability. The campaign was a success, and Ashley was elected as the 2nd youngest woman elected (3rd youngest overall) to Edmonton City Council.  

Following the campaign I joined Councillor Salvador's office serving as a researcher providing advice and analysis on key policy and budget decisions. There is a diverse array of topics and decisions, most of which are directly or indirectly linked to economic policy. Economics is a social science concerned with social problems, and the seat of municipal government is often the front-row to many of the challenges our society faces. Providing insight and recommendations in this exciting environment is a thrilling line of work, and I am proud that my journey in economics started at Dalhousie and brought me here.