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, the Urban Equity Review, Voices of Equity, and the Policy Brief Series—all 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 Leadership initiative, UJGL will host labs. community events, and roundtable discussions that bring together local officials, institutional leaders, and community advocates. These conversations will serve as a platform for innovative solutions, collaborative policymaking, and knowledge-sharing to address systemic inequities in urban governance. By fostering dialogue and action, we empower leaders to create policies that reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

Diversity 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 training programs and our Advocacy Leadership Program, 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.