Current Projects
See what we’re building right now. These active labs and initiatives represent our commitment to community-engaged research—bringing together diverse voices to turn complex challenges into actionable strategies
Rethinking TIF Districts: When the Model Falls Short
Developed in partnership with Claretian Associates, with support from Fifth Third Bank.
This project examines how Chicago’s primary development tool performs in communities facing long-term disinvestment. Grounded in South Chicago, it brings together community knowledge, policy analysis, and research translation to surface how structural inequities shape investment outcomes and inform more equitable approaches.
Community Engaged Design Labs
Advancing ethical and strategic research through collaboration. We bring together faculty, students, and community partners to co-design new approaches to live research problems—from supporting new arrivals to fostering civic engagement through play.