The Center for Planning Research and Practice

The Center for Planning Research and Practice was established in April 2006 as a focal point for sustainable land use planning in the Levin College of Urban Affairs. This mission of the center is to strengthen the practice of planning in the Ohio Lake Erie basin through research, education, service and technical assistance to local communities and to the planning profession. The Center was established with support from the George Gund Foundation and the Levin College of Urban Affairs. The Director of the center is Dr. Wendy Kellogg, Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Studies, and Department Chair/Associate Dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.

The activities of the center include:

• Scholarly research on planning issues
• Technical assistance regarding planning, zoning, and environmental land use to communities across Northeast Ohio
• Educational and training programs focused on planning and zoning

The Planning Center also provides assistantships and practical internship experiences for students in the MUPDD program.

A key program in the Center is The Countryside Program, which has moved from the Western Reserve Resource Conservation and Development Council to the Levin College. The program is coordinated by Ms. Kirby Date, AICP, who has been hired by the Levin College. The move of the Countryside Program to the Levin College was supported by a generous grant from the George Gund Foundation.

The activities of the center are just beginning, but we anticipate collaborations with other research centers in the college and university. We are also seeking collaborative work with the organizations from the professional planning community. Please contact Wendy Kellogg if you have questions about the center.