Mission

The Urban Justice and Governance Lab (UJGL) is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities in urban centers by focusing on innovative research, actionable policy solutions, and community engagement. Our mission is to promote just, inclusive, and sustainable cities, with an emphasis on advancing economic mobility and reducing poverty for marginalized populations.

Vision

UJGL envisions a world where urban centers are beacons of equity and justice, offering opportunities for all individuals to thrive. By addressing structural disparities, we aim to reshape cities into inclusive economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability spaces.

Staff

  • Dr. Tamill Harris

    FOUNDER

    Dr. Tamill Harris, Founder and Director, is a political scientist with a Ph.D. from Clark Atlanta University specializing in Urban Politics, American Government, International Relations, and Black Political Thought. Her research focuses on Atlanta city politics, urban governance, race and politics, and electoral behavior. Dr. Harris’ current research is centered around the relationship between land use policies and poverty. With her education, including a Master’s in Public Administration and extensive career in research and public policy, Dr. Harris is interested in contributing to research, teaching, policy analysis, advocacy, and neighborhood revitalization and economic mobility in urban centers.

  • Jayla Scott-Cottman

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR- HBCU HUB: THE LEGACY PATHWAY

    Jayla Scott-Cottman is a public policy researcher, writer, and advocate dedicated to advancing equity through education and justice-centered policy. A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Political Science, she is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at CAU. As Program Coordinator for the HBCU Hub: The Legacy Pathway under UJGL, Jayla leads initiatives that cultivate the next generation of Black public scholars through writing, research, and civic engagement. Her work bridges academic research with real-world solutions, empowering HBCU students to critically examine urban issues and contribute their voices to national conversations on justice. Passionate about education reform and community impact, Jayla’s research explores how the lingering effects of enslavement and systemic inequality continue to shape modern policy outcomes.