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Institute of Urban Studies

For More Information

Learn more about the IUS and how to contribute by contacting Wanna Smith, Coordinator at (817) 272-2139 or Alan Klein, Director at (817) 272-9237

Email Wanna Smith Email Alan Klein

MISSION

The Institute of Urban Studies (IUS) is the principal research center for the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington. Originally established in 1967 by an act of the Texas Legislature, the Institute’s mandated mission is to conduct research and provide technical assistance to city and county governments, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations, and to offer education and teaching opportunities to individuals either already in or contemplating public service careers.

IMPACT

For over fifty years, communities and community organizations across Texas, many with limited funding available for discretionary services, have benefitted from access to technical assistance at modest cost through IUS.

  • More than 240 projects since 1969
  • More than 100 communities and organizations involved
  • 8 state agency projects
  • 4 federal agency projects
  • 33 economic development projects
  • 7 comprehensive plans
  • 7 APA awards
  • Hundreds of graduate student alumni

RESEARCH INTEREST

The institute conducts research into critical issues affecting people and the places they live. Working with faculty across CAPPA, UTA, and beyond, the Institute has recently researched:

  • Transportation and Housing Affordability
  • Measures of Urban Walkability
  • DFW Water Withdrawal Categories

Other areas of research interest include:

  • Comprehensive Planning
  • Strategic Planning
  • Parks and Open Space Planning
  • Land Use and Transportation
  • Community Development Tools
  • “Missing Middle” Housing

LEADERSHIP

Maria Martinez-Cosio

Interim Dean

Professor of Public Affairs

Public Affairs and Planning

Email: mcosio@uta.edu

Phone #: (817) 272-9343

Alan Klein

Director, Institute of Urban Studies

Alan klein

Email: alan.klein@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-2139

Office: CAPPA 103D

Wanna Smith

Coordinator of Special Programs (IUS)

Wanna Smith

Email: wanna.smith@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-2139

Office: CAPPA 103C

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Institute offers unparalleled opportunities for students to engage in cutting edge research, creative collaboration, and service to communities across Texas. Working with faculty, staff, and the professional community in one of the most dynamic urban environments in the nation, IUS students explore subjects that span the breadth and depth of the modern city. Specific research and service project areas include sustainable development, transportation and transit, local and regional economic development, public health and the built environment, and many more.

CURRENT GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

       
 Amruta Sakalker  Nusrat Jahan Nipu  Kathleen Stanford  Padmi Ranasinghe