Indiana University established the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment in 1992 to help decision makers in Indiana and around the world. We provide the research, objectivity, and insight that is critical for better-informed decisions. In addition, the leaders and organizations we work with get the experience and depth of a major university and its School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
We make it easier for business, government, academia, philanthropy, and nonprofit leaders to address the dilemmas faced every day. Our work addresses a wide variety
of policy issues including economic development, gaming, housing and community development,
land use, nonprofits and voluntarism, public finance, quality of life, and state
and local government.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment is to work with state
and local governments and their associations, neighborhood and community organizations,
community leaders, and business and civic organizations to identify issues, analyze
options, and develop the capacity to respond to challenges. The Center provides
nonpartisan, non-ideological research through faculty and staff with expertise in
program evaluation, policy analysis, facilitation, and planning.
History
On May 8, 1992, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis announced the establishment of the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs with support from Lilly Endowment, Inc., and the University. The two-year planning effort included a two-day conference in Indianapolis attended by more than 80 urban leaders and researchers from the United States and Western Europe. Original objectives for the Center included:
- Provide affordable and practical technical assistance to Indiana communities to facilitate and inform local decision making;
- Produce research that extends the academic, policy analysis, and professional reputations of IUPUI and SPEA; and
- Build financial and community partnerships to permit faculty and staff to help state and local governments resolve the problems and challenges in regional and local development.
Since then, Center faculty and staff have had the opportunity to work with over 150 different organizations and agencies in government (international, federal, state, and local), the nonprofit sector, and the private sector. The Center has worked with some of these partners on more than one project, and some relationships have been long term.
Contact Us
334 N. Senate Avenue,
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: 317-261-3000
Fax: 317-261-3050
urbanctr@iupui.edu