From managing urban growth to advancing sustainability and understanding public space use, School of Planning and Public Affairs Associate Professor Jerry Anthony continues to explore how planning and policy shape communities around the world. His latest scholarship includes three recently published studies examining issues that affect cities, industries, and residents across the globe.
Planning for growth
In "Influence of State Planning Environments on Urban Sprawl," published in Urban Affairs Review, Anthony and co-author Himanshu Grover examined how state planning frameworks influence patterns of urban development.
The researchers found that states with stronger planning environments tend to experience less urban sprawl, even without growth-management laws that are often politically difficult to enact. The findings suggest that state planning systems can play an important role in encouraging more efficient and sustainable development patterns.
Sustainability and the textile industry
Anthony's research also extends to environmental sustainability. In "Barriers to the Adoption of Circular Economy Business Models in the Indian Textile Industry," published in Business Strategy and the Environment, he collaborated with Himanshu Chandra and Aradhna Malik to identify obstacles preventing broader adoption of circular economy practices.
The study found that expanding circular economy approaches could significantly reduce the environmental impacts associated with textile production. Among the barriers identified, a lack of industry-specific training emerged as one of the most significant challenges, highlighting the role workforce development can play in supporting more sustainable business practices.
Lessons from public spaces during the pandemic
In a third publication, "Exploring Location, Policy, and Demographic Factors Correlated with Public Space Use in Indian Cities During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Anthony partnered with planner Siddesh Kudale to examine how residents used public spaces in three large Indian cities during a period of unprecedented disruption.
Published in the Journal of Urbanism, the study adds to a growing body of research on urban experiences in the Global South. Among its findings, women and younger adults were more likely to use public spaces than men and older adults. The research offers insights into how different populations interact with public environments and may help planners create more inclusive and accessible public spaces.
Together, these publications reflect Anthony's broad research interests in land-use planning, growth management, sustainability, housing, and public policy. Whether examining state planning systems, industrial sustainability, or how people use shared community spaces, his work seeks to understand better the policies and decisions that shape everyday life and to suggest ways to improve it.
Learn more about Anthony's research and scholarship on his faculty profile page.