Center for Urban Studies

Overhead look of PSU Urban Center

Planning & Land Use Research

Planning and Land Use Research

Planning and land use play a vital role in how communities across the country shape their futures. Center for Urban Studies faculty members explore this field of research in multiple ways. Dr. Lisa K. Bates and Dr. Marisa Zapata examine equity in planning. Dr. Matthew Gebhardt explores neighborhood development including an evaluation of Portland's accessory dwelling units. Dr. Sy Adler and Dr. Megan Horst are working to envision the future of Oregon, particularly for those most disadvantaged and have access to the least resources. Dr. CNE Corbin examines how communities use public green spaces in relationship to equity and sustainability.

house in NE Portland

Can preference policies advance racial justice?

Dr. Amie Thurber, Dr. Lisa K. Bates, and Dr. Susan Halverson conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate the City of Portland’s “Preference Policy,” which provides targeted affordable rental housing to residents displaced from a historically Black neighborhood. 

ADU in a backyard garden

Accessory Dwelling Units in Portland, Oregon

Dr. Matthew Gebhardt, associate professor of Urban Studies and Planning, and Yael Kidron, Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies and Planning, conducted a survey of ADU owners and tenants in Portland. The survey was conducted as part of the Institute's Small Backyard Homes Project which is focused on encouraging ADU development.

Strawberry field

Translating Land Justice Through Comparison: Us-French Dialogue & Research

Eight scholars, including Dr. Megan Horst, in urban planning, geography, and agri-food studies from the United States (US) and France engage in a bi-national comparison to deepen collective understanding of food and land justice. We specifically contextualize land justice as a critical component of food justice.