The well-being of urban populations depends on affordable quality housing, jobs and wages that support access to quality housing and services, and community sense of place. Lack of reasonably priced housing options, loss of population and jobs, urban decay, residential segregation by race, gentrification, and costly public services threaten the prosperity of cities, regions, and communities.  The concentration in housing and community development examines social inequities in the built environment; federal, state and local housing and community development policies and programs; community organizing and placemaking; and innovative public/private/neighborhood partnerships. 

Graduates with this background are prepared for positions in a) housing and community development divisions of city, regional, state and national planning agencies and departments; b) housing-focused non-profit organizations; c) private planning consulting firms and companies that build and develop new housing; and d) community development corporations.

Planning Courses

  • Housing Policy
  • Community Development Through Creative Placemaking
  • Growth Management
  • Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I
  • Economic Impact Assessment
  • Economic Development Policy
  • Sustainable Development: The Kerala Experience

Public Affairs Courses

  • Poverty Policy

Finance Courses

  • Real Estate Process
  • Real Estate Finance and Investments

Social Work Courses

  • Social Welfare Policy and Practice
  • Organization and Community Practice