Policy, Planning & Development Research

How do policies, initiatives, and planning improve social outcomes, reduce inequity, and foster environmental well-being? How should urban greening initiatives be best designed? What policies improve access to housing or effectively conserve global biodiversity? Research by faculty and students in ESS addresses these and other pressing questions that inform policymakers, planners, and community stakeholders on effective strategies to tackle complex societal challenges. This research examines policies at multiple scales (e.g., local, regional, national, international) using an array of qualitative and quantitative methods, including policy analysis, causal inference, and qualitative fieldwork. We maintain partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector stakeholders to ensure work is relevant to real-world challenges. Research areas include the politics of planning and development, energy policy, land use, foreign policy, transportation, sustainability, and economic development.