We have lost a very special UAA leader. I regret to announce that William (Bill) Barnes, a long-time UAA stalwart, succumbed to cancer on April 25. Over his 30-year career at the National League of Cities (NLC), Bill’s project work focused on a broad range of timely topics including public finance, racism and inequity, regional...Read More

During the 50th Anniversary Meeting of the Urban Affairs Association, the UAA community acknowledged the award recipients from the two previous years (in which the conference was cancelled due to the pandemic). Awardees who were present received their award plaques. The full list of 2020 and 2021 recipients is provided below. Alma H. Young Emerging...Read More

This year, Dr. Ryan Allen (University of Minnesota) and Dr. Carissa Schively Slotterback (University of Pittsburgh) were selected as the recipients of the 2022 Best Article in the Journal of Urban Affairs Award for their article, “Building immigrant engagement practice in urban planning: The case of Somali refugees in the Twin Cities.” The award is...Read More

Dr. Scott Cummings was selected as the first recipient of the first Distinguished Editorial Service Award which was created to recognize editorial leadership. Board Assessment: “Dr. Scott Cummings was the Editor of the Journal of Urban Affairs from 1987 to 2005. The critical leadership of this editor has been acknowledged informally for decades.  However, UAA...Read More

This year, Dr. David Varady (University of Cincinnati) was selected as the recipient of the Mary Helen Callahan Distinguished Service Award, which is given on a periodic basis to an individual who has provided an outstanding record of service to the Urban Affairs Association and/or the field of urban affairs. Award Committee Assessment: “David Varady...Read More

This year, Dr Ali Modarres (University of Washington Tacoma) was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Contribution to the Field of Urban Affairs Award which is given to individuals whose body of work has contributed to defining the field. Award Committee Assessment: “Ali Modarres has not only advanced research and teaching, but to an...Read More

This year, Rashad Williams (University of Minnesota Twin Cities) was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Alma H. Young Emerging Scholar Award. The award is given to a promising Ph.D. candidate or early career researcher whose work demonstrates a commitment to rigorous and impactful research and service. Award Committee Assessment: “The Alma H. Young...Read More

This year, Dr. Loretta Lees (Leicester University) was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Marilyn J. Gittell Activist Scholar Award. This award was established to highlight field-based urban scholarship and promote the dissemination of work by activist urban scholars. The award is co-sponsored by SAGE Publishing and UAA. The inspiration for this award is...Read More

This year, Dr. Timothy J. Dixon (University of Reading) and Dr. Mark Tewdwr-Jones (University College London) were selected as the recipient of the 2022 Best Book in the Field of Urban Affairs for Urban Futures: Planning for City Foresight and City Visions. Fifty-two books were nominated this year from several different disciplines and a variety...Read More

UAA continues to monitor the pandemic and will adjust our conference plans based on known conditions. We are planning a fully in-person event. But, most importantly, we want an event that is as safe as possible. Currently, the Mayor of Washington DC, Honorable Muriel Bowser, has established a set of policies that apply to the...Read More

WEBINAR INFO Urban studies researchers come from different disciplines. Given the interdisciplinary nature of their research, choosing publication outlets can be confusing. This webinar explores strategies and criteria to identify appropriate journals for your urban research. It is tailored to graduate students and early-career professionals. Selecting the Right Journal (presented by the Scholar Development Editors)...Read More

Long-time UAAer, relentless social justice fighter, and all-around phenomenal colleague, Janet Smith, died yesterday after a battle with cancer. Janet served as Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy, and Co-Director of the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement at the University of Illinois Chicago. Within UAA, Janet was an...Read More

UAA is planning an in-person event in April. We understand that at this stage in the pandemic, potential participants may be concerned about safety, and/or restricted in their travel. For now, our operating assumption is that circumstances will improve by March in time for a conference that would employ safety COVID protocols. If our assumption...Read More

In November 2021, UAA members were given the opportunity to fill three open seats on the Governing Board.  Voting members selected the following individuals to serve on the Board. Cathy Yang Liu Georgia State University (United States) Cathy Yang Liu is a Professor and Chair of Department of Public Management and Policy at the Andrew Young...Read More

We are deeply saddened to learn today that Fritz died of cancer on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, four grandchildren, and a large cadre of colleagues, former students, and life-time friends.  Fritz will be remembered as an educator and mentor,...Read More