Dear Faculty, Students, Visiting Scholars and Colleagues,

Welcome to the Institute of Urban & Regional Development (IURD).

IURD is one of America’s first research centers to focus on urban and regional research. Established in 1962, the Institute, through the work of its faculty associates, graduate students and visiting scholars, has provided intellectual and policy leadership to decision makers in California, the United States, and countries around the globe. Allow me to introduce IURD’s strategic initiatives and centers:

• The network on Building Resilient Regions (BRR) is funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation under the direction of Professor Margaret Weir, Chair of the Network and Professor in the Departments of Political Science and Sociology. BRR uses the lens of economic and demographic regional challenges to investigate why regions matter now, what constitutes resilience in the face of these challenges, and what factors (including regional asset bases, governance modes, actor choices, and civic practices) help to build and sustain regional resilience.

• The Center for Cities and Schools (CC&S) promotes high-quality education as an essential component of urban and metropolitan vitality. Through interdisciplinary research, professional education and collaborative practice, the center bridges the fields of education and urban policy to create equitable, diverse, and livable cities and schools. Directed by Dr. Deb McKoy, CC&S research activities flourish with grant support from a wide range of foundations, school districts, and non-profits.

• The Center for Community Innovation (CCI) drives IURD’s interests in community-based economic development, diversifying housing options, and strengthening connection to place. Directed by Professor Karen Chapple, CCI is engaged in a wide range of local and regional research and community development assistance projects. 

• IURD is home to the Center for Global Metropolitan Studies (GMS), a new multidisciplinary teaching and research initiative launched by the university. Directed by Professor Ananya Roy and Professor Richard Walker, the interdisciplinary faculty will work together to better understand the implications of worldwide growth in metropolitan areas and to develop strategies for better managing urbanization processes and outcomes. The GMS Center holds faculty seminars and lectures and initiates multidisciplinary research on urban regions worldwide.

• Center for a Sustainable California (CSC). This newly established Center has been formed to guide local and regional planning for sustainable development in compliance with California's greenhouse reduction mandates. It builds upon ideas and discussions from a very successful speaker series on low carbon cities sponsored by IURD in Spring 2009, the highlights of which are available on a newly released DVD.

• The Shrinking Cities Group forms part of the core of IURD's work in International Metropolitan Studies. Drawing upon long-standing research experience in regional development and networks of international experts in policymaking, the group studies the forces of globalization thought to be a common denominator of the “shrinking city.” This multidimensional phenomenon encompasses cities, parts of cities, or metropolitan areas that are experiencing dramatic decline in their economic and social bases. Dr. Karina Pallast coordinates the group’s research and activities.

• IURD convenes a lively and diverse Visiting Scholars Program. Each year approximately 15 – 20 scholars from around the world spend time at the Institute. The program organizes visitor arrangements and hosts frequent seminars and lectures offered by visitors.

Beyond these activities, IURD staff is committed to working with faculty and graduate students to prepare research proposals, search for and secure funding, and provide ongoing project management support to Principal Investigators. Feel free to contact me if you have suggestions on how to make what IURD does even better.

Best regards,

Robert Cervero
Interim Institute Director