The well-being of urban populations depends on affordable quality housing, jobs, and wages that support access to quality housing and services, and community sense of place. Lack of reasonably priced housing options, loss of population and jobs, urban decay, residential segregation by race, gentrification, and costly public services threaten the prosperity of cities, regions, and communities. This concentration area focuses on building strong, economically resilient communities and organizations. 

The concentration in Housing, Community, and Economic Development examines:  

• social inequities in the built environment
• federal, state and local housing and community development policies and programs
• community organizing and placemaking

• innovative public/private/neighborhood partnerships