Key Initiatives

At UJGL, we are committed to redefining urban equity through data-driven research and community centered insights. Our Equitable Cities initiative will produce key resources such as the Urban Equity Index, and the Urban Equity Review designed to measure, analyze, and address disparities in urban centers. By providing policymakers, advocates, and community leaders with comprehensive tools, we aim to drive meaningful policy changes that foster inclusivity and economic mobility for all.

Effective governance starts with informed and engaged leadership. Through our Civic Engagement initiative, UJGL will host labs, community events, roundtable discussions, and field work where we seek to hear, understand, and strategize for participatory democracy. These conversations will serve as a platform for innovative solutions, collaborative policymaking, and knowledge-sharing to address systemic inequities in urban governance.

Effective representation in research and policy leadership is essential for creating just and sustainable cities. UJGL’s HBCU Hub is dedicated to training and equipping HBCU students with the skills needed to drive urban research and advocacy. Through specialized research and leadership training and development programs, we will provide students with the tools, mentorship, and experience needed to become the next generation of urban policy leaders. This initiative ensures that historically Black colleges and universities remain at the forefront of shaping inclusive cities and equitable governance.