From the beginning, NCSG has worked to advance the notion that research, collaboration, engagement and thoughtful policy development hold the key to a smarter and more sustainable approach to urban and regional development.
Our team is composed of practitioners, scholars, researchers, facilitators, students and administrators, with expertise in urban planning, policy, architecture, sociology, sustainability, community engagement, transportation and public health, among other topics.
As a research center, NCSG is committed to working collaboratively on campus and with our external partners at community-based organizations, government agencies (federal, state and local), advocacy groups, small and local businesses and those that are part of coalitions.
We make decisions by prioritizing the impact on those traditionally left out of Smart Growth conversations, like Black, Brown, and immigrant communities and those living with low- and moderate- incomes, and by maintaining alignment with our organizational values.
We know the difference between participation and power, and will always be clear in defining our goals and decision-making processes to avoid participatory activities devoid of political action or power analyses.
We ground our approaches in the lived experiences of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities and those living with low- and moderate- incomes communities whenever possible. We work hand-in-hand with people and organizations in these communities to generate research questions, analysis and goals in ways that center their experience, even when our named project partner is a government agency, national group or institution.
Instead of using research to assert hegemonic norms and excuse harmful decisions as has been the case for centuries, we are committed to challenging these behaviors and utilizing research in pursuit of equity and justice. We will share research results with community partners in the format they request (whether written, oral, graphic, etc).
We are committed to building relationships with those that share values and honor a collective sense of process in a generative, non-extractive and non-hierarchical, manner. We will contribute to processes held and defined by others, because we know that not all ideas start at the university. And, we will share credit, authorship and funding in a manner that honors all contributors.
We champion energy- and resource-saving built environments. Focusing on the health and wellbeing of human communities and the equitable distribution of consumption and climate impacts is what drives our decision making about environmental concerns.
As teachers, scholars and practitioners, we are invested in life-long learning and we are consistently finding and creating opportunities for students and communities to learn from and engage with each other.
Research
We create new research, critically assess existing research, document equitable Smart Growth practices and policy, and make our findings accessible through accessible policy briefs, FAQs, case studies, academic publications.
Education
We are supporting the next generation of planners/policy makers by offering undergraduate and graduate courses, providing hands-on training and research opportunities for masters and PhD students, influencing university recruitment practices and supporting teachers on curricular development across campus.
Collaborative Practice
We provide direct support to key partners, convene and engage in conversations and amplify the work of coalitions and communities of practice.
Advocacy
We provide direct support to key partners, convene and engage in conversations and amplify the work of coalitions and communities of practice.