Mike Klassen was born in Vancouver and grew up in the Killarney neighbourhood. A UBC graduate, Mike began writing for alternative publications such as Terminal City Weekly and Discorder, before becoming a pioneering political blogger at CityCaucus.com. A long time community volunteer and organizer in his Fraser Street neighbourhood, Mike serves as board president of PAL Vancouver, a society providing social housing for long time members of the arts community. Mike is a former vice-chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, and former vice-chair of DOXA documentary festival board. A veteran of local political campaigns, Mike was a one-time candidate for city council (NPA), and ended his NPA membership in 2012.