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Penn Institute for Urban Research

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Which state policies are actually working?
Aerial view of city streets and traffic.

Image: Urbanscape via iStock

Which state policies are actually working?

Penn IUR faculty fellow John Landis analyzed 25 years of land use, transportation, energy, and water conservation efforts across the United States.

From Penn IUR

2 min. read

Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter launches Penn initiative connecting past mayors with future leaders
former mayors with director of public service initiative

Michael A. Nutter (center), former Mayor of Philadelphia and managing director of the Public Service and Policy Initiative, with inaugural Impact Scholars Kasim Reed (left), former Mayor of Atlanta, and GT Bynum (right), former Mayor of Tulsa.

(Image: Kait Privitera)

Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter launches Penn initiative connecting past mayors with future leaders

The first-of-its-kind Public Service and Policy Initiative brings accomplished local governing executives to Penn to translate experience into research, talent development, and policy innovation.

Michael Grant

5 min. read

Understanding the nation’s roadways
Traffic from New Jersey to Philadelphia.

Professor of city and regional planning Erick Guerra recently published a book exploring the economic and societal impacts of American highways. He explains some of the pitfalls associated with an ever-expansive highway system, arguing that spending more on highways might not be the solution to the country’s transportation issues.

(Image: Courtesy of Getty / peeterv)

Understanding the nation’s roadways

Penn urban planner Erick Guerra’s new book, “Overbuilt,” argues that additional spending on building more highways might not be the solution to the country’s transportation issues. In a Q&A, Guerra shares his insights.

4 min. read

Penn launches Richards Transportation Initiative to drive smarter, more accessible mobility solutions

Penn launches Richards Transportation Initiative to drive smarter, more accessible mobility solutions

The Richards Transportation Initiative at Penn (R-TRIP) is a new hub for research, innovation, and real-world solutions in transportation. Housed in the Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR). The Initiative is led by Penn IUR Faculty Fellows Leslie Richards, former CEO of PennDOT and SEPTA and now Professor of Practice at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and lead faculty adviser Megan Ryerson, UPS Foundation Professor and chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning at the Weitzman School.

Penn receives $10M to strengthen urban research locally and globally
Aerial view of Penn and Philadelphia.

The gift to Penn’s Institute for Urban Research will support a co-director position and a postdoctoral fellowship, enhancing the Institute’s ability to address timely urban opportunities and challenges. 

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Penn receives $10M to strengthen urban research locally and globally

The funds will support the Institute for Urban Research’s advancement of research, education, and policy solutions for cities.

2 min. read

Penn IUR enters its third decade
From left: Genie Birch, Judith Rodin, and Susan Wachter

Housed in Meyerson Hall, the Penn Institute for Urban Research (IUR) is a campus-wide enterprise that draws from the collective wisdom of experts around the Penn and beyond to inform urban development and actions on public policy to support the sustainable growth of metros. Now entering its third decade, President Emerita Judith Rodin and Penn IUR co-directors Eugénie Birch and Susan Wachter reflect on the Institute’s history and impact.

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Penn IUR enters its third decade

The Penn Institute for Urban Research enters its second decade. President emerita Judith Rodin and co-directors Eugénie Birch and Susan Wachter reflect on the Institute’s history and impact.

10 min. read

Expert Voices 2025: Access to sustainable and affordable housing
Tiny homes under construction in Baltimore.

New development of affordable tiny houses in East Baltimore.

(Image: iStock/Robbie Becklund)

Expert Voices 2025: Access to sustainable and affordable housing

Twelve leading voices in housing policy, urban planning, and finance were asked to share their perspectives on the challenge of affordable housing in the country.

From Penn IUR