Institute of Urban Studies Welcomes New Interim Director
Jenifer Reiner, AICP, CNU-A, CFM, has joined The University of Texas at Arlington as Interim Director of the Institute of Urban Studies (IUS), effective Sept. 1.
Reiner brings extensive experience in urban planning, transportation, community development and local government to her new roles. As Interim Director, she will lead the Institute's research, outreach and community engagement initiatives while strengthening connections between CAPPA's academic expertise and the challenges facing cities and communities across North Texas.
"Jenifer brings a unique combination of academic perspective and practical planning experience that aligns perfectly with the Institute's mission," said Ming-Han Li, dean of CAPPA and executive director of the Institute of Urban Studies. "Her leadership will help advance IUS's continued focus on community engagement, policy assistance, applied research and service while strengthening partnerships that create meaningful impact throughout North Texas."
As a certified planner, prior to joining UTA in her faculty and leadership roles, Reiner held planning leadership positions across private consulting, community development, regional transportation and local government organizations in Virginia, California and Texas. Her professional experience includes work on transportation planning, community engagement, development policy and growth management initiatives. She has also served in leadership roles with the American Planning Association Texas Midwest Section, including chairing its scholarship committee.
"I am honored to join CAPPA and lead the Institute of Urban Studies during this exciting time," Reiner said. "The Institute has a long history of connecting research, education and practice to help communities address complex challenges. I look forward to working with faculty, students, practitioners and community partners to expand opportunities for collaboration and create meaningful impact throughout the region."
As Interim Director, Reiner will connect CAPPA's academic expertise with the needs of communities across North Texas, strengthening partnerships among faculty, students, practitioners and community organizations while expanding opportunities for applied research, community engagement and experiential learning. Her work will help advance the Institute's mission of translating research into practical solutions that support community development and informed decision-making.
Reiner's research focuses on housing attainability, municipal development entitlement systems, transportation and community engagement. She co-authored chapters for Transportation Policies, Programs & History, published through Mavs Open Press. Her scholarship has been published in the Journal of the American Planning Association and presented at conferences including the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, Transportation Research Board, Congress for the New Urbanism and the American Planning Association. Additional research is currently under review at Cities.
About the Institute of Urban Studies
The Institute of Urban Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington advances research, education and community engagement to address challenges facing cities, regions and neighborhoods. Through applied research, technical assistance and partnerships with public, private and nonprofit organizations, the Institute helps communities develop practical solutions to complex urban issues.
About the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs
The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs prepares future leaders to shape communities through excellence in teaching, research and service. CAPPA's nationally recognized programs advance innovation in architecture, planning, public affairs, public policy, landscape architecture and social work.