Department – Urban Planning

First Urban Studies/Urban Planning accelerated degree cohort is set to walk the graduation stage

Five years ago, UW-Milwaukee debuted its accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree program in Urban Studies and Urban Planning. Now, in a few short weeks, the first graduates of the program will walk across the stage at UWM Panther Arena and accept their diplomas. The program is designed to have students complete their bachelor’s degree in three years and their master’s in two. Some of the urban studies major credits can count toward the graduate degree, and some of the graduate classes fulfill requirements for the urban studies major, so the students can shave a year off their schooling.

Overland Flow Paths: Managing Big Rain Without Big Tunnels

As extreme rain events become more frequent, communities are rethinking how stormwater moves across urban landscapes. This session explores the use of overland flow paths—subtle, landscape-based features within neighborhoods and public rights-of-way that temporarily store, slow, and convey stormwater without relying on expensive tunnels or lift stations.

Community leaders and researchers gather to discuss housing crisis

Community members, advocates, and researchers gathered to address Milwaukee’s growing affordable housing challenges during a panel hosted by the Center for Equity Practice & Planning Justice. Led by director Dr. Kirk Harris, the discussion emphasized the structural causes of housing …

Bridging the Housing Gap: Stories from Two Midwest Communities

Communities of every size are facing mounting housing shortages—from overall supply constraints to the lack of affordable options. This session explores practical strategies for expanding housing availability through the experiences of a mid-sized Wisconsin city (La Crosse) and a small Minnesota community (Wabasha).

Preparing Communities for Data Center Development

As data center development expands across Wisconsin and the Midwest, communities are increasingly being approached by developers seeking land, electricity, and water. While these projects can bring significant investment, they also raise complex questions related to zoning, infrastructure capacity, public finance, and environmental impacts.

Kirk Harris featured in TMJ4 story on Milwaukee food deserts

Dr. Kirk Harris was featured in a recent report by TMJ4 examining Milwaukee’s food deserts. In the story, Harris explains how historic segregation, zoning decisions, and limited transportation options have shaped inequitable access to fresh, affordable food in many neighborhoods.

Economic Impact of Eco Tourism: Year-round Destinations

An Innovative Cities Lecture Local events play a powerful role in strengthening city economies, generating activity from day trips to overnight stays. This session highlights how two Wisconsin communities attract visitors, host more than 80 events annually, and measure both …