Maria Vassilakou is an experienced, inspiring urban leader, committed to open, inclusive and green cities, passionate about urban transformation processes leading to sustainable system change.
From November 2010 to July 2019, she was deputy mayor of Vienna, responsible for urban planning, traffic and transport, climate protection, energy and public participation.
Maria Vassilakou envisions cities as open, green, affordable, family-friendly and diverse places to live. During her 9 years of service as deputy mayor, she successfully implemented an extensive transformation agenda that included many innovative projects, which significantly contributed to Vienna's first place in all major international livability rankings over the past decade.
Maria Vassilakou now works worldwide as an independent urban transformation consultant. After leaving her position, she founded Vienna Solutions, a network of experienced Viennese urban planning experts and practitioners, with whom she collaborates in creating flexible teams for the implementation of complex urban projects. She shares her experience and knowledge from Vienna – the world's most livable city – with cities, NGOs, organizations and corporations that develop strategies, agendas and solutions, organize transition management and build capacity for livable, sustainable and inclusive cities.
Since 2019, Maria is also a member of the expert committee of the EU Horizon mission for climate-neutral smart cities.