ABOUT THE CENTER

Created in 1957, the Center for Urban and Regional Studies is one of the oldest university-based research centers of its kind. The Center's mission is to promote and support within UNC-Chapel Hill, high-quality basic and applied research on urban, regional and rural planning and policy issues. The Center seeks to generate new knowledge of urban and regional processes and problems and ultimately to improve living conditions in our communities. This is done by involving the University's faculty and graduate students in large, multidisciplinary research projects and smaller, more narrowly focused projects. The Center's mission also includes promoting the use of the research it facilitates.

Many public and non-profit organizations have research needs such as collecting and analyzing basic data on urban and regional conditions; surveying clients and prospective clients and interpreting their needs; defining and assessing problems; evaluating the impacts of programs; and forecasting urban and regional trends. The Center matches these needs with the interests and expertise of its Faculty Fellows -- an interdisciplinary group of UNC scholars who are leaders in their respective fields.

   HICKERSON HOUSE
   Home of the Center for Urban Studies

The Center conducts a wide variety of basic and applied research for foundations and federal, state, and local governments. It has studied urban crime, housing and community development, urban poverty, natural hazards, coastal planning, environmental protection, land use, growth management, and economic development. Not only does the Center enjoy a widespread reputation for research excellence, but its recommendations frequently influence urban policy and planning decisions throughout North Carolina and the U.S. Located on University property in the historic district of the Town of Chapel Hill, the Center is adjacent to the central campus and all its resources. But the Center itself, with its permanent staff and comprehensive research facilities, is also easy to reach for visitors.