Christopher M. Clanahan, PhD
Current Position
Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and Academic Services
School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Arizona State University, Tempe
School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Arizona State University, Tempe
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Design and Planning
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Dissertation:
Operation Regional Harmony: A Study of Defense Communities Implementing Joint Land Use Studies
Committee:
Huston Gibson (chair), Hyung Jin Kim (member), Ethan Bernick (member), Michael Flynn (member), and Arnaud Temme (outside chair)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Dissertation:
Operation Regional Harmony: A Study of Defense Communities Implementing Joint Land Use Studies
Committee:
Huston Gibson (chair), Hyung Jin Kim (member), Ethan Bernick (member), Michael Flynn (member), and Arnaud Temme (outside chair)
Master of Regional & Community Planning
(Five-year course of study)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Thesis:
Ballot Box Conservation: A Study of Local U.S. Conservation Measures and its use by Local Governments and Planners
Committee:
Huston Gibson (chair), John Keller (member), Josephine Schafer (member)
(Five-year course of study)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Thesis:
Ballot Box Conservation: A Study of Local U.S. Conservation Measures and its use by Local Governments and Planners
Committee:
Huston Gibson (chair), John Keller (member), Josephine Schafer (member)
Professional Education & Training
Supervisor Development Program (Fall 2023-Spring 2024)
Arizona State University, Tempe
Leadership and Workforce Development
Attendance supported by ASU's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Individuals in supervisory roles learn about university policies and procedures, self-awareness, personal work style, and management strategies that foster collaborative engagement and performance. Participants attend six in-person full day sessions at the Tempe campus. Program takeaways include best practices for supervisory skills, knowledge of key management concepts, and building a network of peer leaders.
Emerging Supervisor Pathway (Spring 2023)
Arizona State University, Tempe
Leadership and Workforce Development
Attendance supported by ASU's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Participants learn foundational ASU knowledge, practical skills and resources to prepare them for a supervisor role. This training contains 15 hours of mixed media including live courses, ASU created content, materials, toolkits, and an in-person 4-hour capstone session that is held at the Tempe UCNTRA building. Completion of this training is equivalent to one (1) year of supervisory experience for promotional opportunities at ASU.
Arizona State University, Tempe
Leadership and Workforce Development
Attendance supported by ASU's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Individuals in supervisory roles learn about university policies and procedures, self-awareness, personal work style, and management strategies that foster collaborative engagement and performance. Participants attend six in-person full day sessions at the Tempe campus. Program takeaways include best practices for supervisory skills, knowledge of key management concepts, and building a network of peer leaders.
Emerging Supervisor Pathway (Spring 2023)
Arizona State University, Tempe
Leadership and Workforce Development
Attendance supported by ASU's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Participants learn foundational ASU knowledge, practical skills and resources to prepare them for a supervisor role. This training contains 15 hours of mixed media including live courses, ASU created content, materials, toolkits, and an in-person 4-hour capstone session that is held at the Tempe UCNTRA building. Completion of this training is equivalent to one (1) year of supervisory experience for promotional opportunities at ASU.
Previous Academic Positions
Manager of Graduate Programs
School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Arizona State University, Tempe
School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Arizona State University, Tempe
Program Coordinator Sr.
Master of Urban and Environmental Planning Program
School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
Arizona State University, Tempe
Other Contribution: 2022 Self-Study Report for PAB Reaccreditation (Project Management)
Master of Urban and Environmental Planning Program
School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning
Arizona State University, Tempe
Other Contribution: 2022 Self-Study Report for PAB Reaccreditation (Project Management)
Instructor
Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning
College of Architecture, Planning & Design
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Other Contribution: 2021 Self-Study Report for PAB Reaccreditation (Data Analytics & Production)
Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning
College of Architecture, Planning & Design
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Other Contribution: 2021 Self-Study Report for PAB Reaccreditation (Data Analytics & Production)
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning
College of Architecture, Planning & Design
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning
College of Architecture, Planning & Design
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Scholarly Foci
Regional & Intergovernmental Relations, Land Use Planning, Policy Analysis in Planning, Rural Planning, Federal Planning, Plan Implementation & Evaluation, Sustainable Community Infrastructure, Mixed Methods, and Community Development.
Recognized Honors
Award of Excellence: Outstanding New Staff Member. (2023). Graduate College. Arizona State University. Nominated by Dr. Daoqin Tong.
[finalist] Staff Excellence Award. (2023). School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Arizona State University.
Serving University Needs (SUN) Award. (2023). School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Arizona State University. Nominated by Dr. Meagan Ehlenz.
Outstanding Master's Thesis. (2014). College of Architecture, Planning & Design. Kansas State University.
[finalist] Staff Excellence Award. (2023). School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Arizona State University.
Serving University Needs (SUN) Award. (2023). School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Arizona State University. Nominated by Dr. Meagan Ehlenz.
Outstanding Master's Thesis. (2014). College of Architecture, Planning & Design. Kansas State University.
Publications
Peer Reviewed Publications
Book Reviews
Professional Publications
- Clanahan, C. M. (2023). Beyond the Gate: Shaping the Future of Military Installation Compatibility in the United States. Local Development & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/26883597.2023.2266152
- Gibson, H.J. & Clanahan, C. M. (2021). Hindsight 2020: Reflections of Community Visions from the Past. Local Development & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/26883597.2021.1924075
- Clanahan, C. M. (2021). Urbanized Defense Communities: A Literature Review on the Policies, Politics, and Planning of Military Readiness and Local Land Use in the United States. Journal of Planning Literature, 36(3), 358-372.https://doi.org/10.1177/08854122211012720
Book Reviews
- Clanahan, C. M. (2022). Review of "Salvaging Community: How American Cities Rebuild Closed Military Bases" by Michael Touchton and Amanda J. Ashley. Journal of Urban Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352166.2022.2072642
Professional Publications
- Clanahan, C. M. (2015). The Sign of Things to Come: An Overview and Example of Extrapolation Application for Population Projections. North Dakota Planning Association Newsletter, 5-9.
In Preparation:
Clanahan, C. M. Spiraling Onward: Reassessing the Social Impact of Military Growth on Community Development.
Clanahan, C. M. Spiraling Onward: Reassessing the Social Impact of Military Growth on Community Development.
Conference Presentations
- Clanahan, C.M. & Son, H. (2025, October 23-25). Urban Growth and Military Land Use in South Korea: Policy, Planning, and Institutional Responses. First author and co-presenter. Track 12 (Planning History or Planning Theory), presented at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
- Clanahan, C.M. (2021, July 12). The Perceived Effects of Joint Land Use Studies: A Prospective Instrument for Regional Resilience in Defense Communities. Sole author and presenter. To be presented at the Annual International Conference of the Community Development Society.
- Gibson, H.J. & Clanahan, C.M. (2021, June). Hindsight 2020: Reflections of Community Visions from the Past. Co-author of abstract. Sub-Theme (Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development), presented at the Virtual World Community Development Conference, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Clanahan, C.M. (2019, October 25). Operation Regional Harmony: A Study of Defense Communities Implementing Joint Land Use Studies. Sole author and presenter of poster. Track 14 (Regional Planning), presented at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Annual Conference, Greenville, SC.
- Gray, C., Harmstead, S., Clanahan, C. M., & Turnquest, A. (2016, September 15). Regional Planning in North Dakota: Seeking Compatibility between Local Governments and the Military. Co-author and co-presenter. Presented at North Dakota Planning Association Annual Conference, Bismarck. Other Contribution: Conference Program (Design & Production)
Course Instruction
Instructional Professional
Arizona State University, Tempe
Undergraduate Level Courses:
GCU 102: Introduction to Human Geography – systematic study of human use of the Earth. Spatial organization of economic, social, political, and perceptual environments. (Online Lecture)
PUP 424: Planning Methods – methods for urban planning research. Emphasizes research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, survey research, and data analysis. (Online Lecture)
Graduate Level Course:
PUP 598: Regional and Intergovernmental Planning – introduces students to the practice of regional planning which seeks to resolve contemporary issues of the built environment that span traditional boundaries. During the semester, students will review, discuss, and evaluate regional planning efforts to gain an understanding of the various assumptions, approaches, and methods of regional planning. The course will also examine the history, institutional practices, and limitations of regional planning. Functional issues of regional planning covered in the course include economic development, land use compatibility, environmental sustainability, intergovernmental relations, infrastructure and resource management, transportation, and more. In addition to observing conventional placed-based issues, such as those found in metropolitan areas, unconventional cases such as defense communities, reservations, universities, and federal land will also be explored. (Online Seminar/Lecture; Course Development)
Arizona State University, Tempe
Undergraduate Level Courses:
GCU 102: Introduction to Human Geography – systematic study of human use of the Earth. Spatial organization of economic, social, political, and perceptual environments. (Online Lecture)
PUP 424: Planning Methods – methods for urban planning research. Emphasizes research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, survey research, and data analysis. (Online Lecture)
Graduate Level Course:
PUP 598: Regional and Intergovernmental Planning – introduces students to the practice of regional planning which seeks to resolve contemporary issues of the built environment that span traditional boundaries. During the semester, students will review, discuss, and evaluate regional planning efforts to gain an understanding of the various assumptions, approaches, and methods of regional planning. The course will also examine the history, institutional practices, and limitations of regional planning. Functional issues of regional planning covered in the course include economic development, land use compatibility, environmental sustainability, intergovernmental relations, infrastructure and resource management, transportation, and more. In addition to observing conventional placed-based issues, such as those found in metropolitan areas, unconventional cases such as defense communities, reservations, universities, and federal land will also be explored. (Online Seminar/Lecture; Course Development)
Instructor of Record
Arizona State University, Tempe
Undergraduate/Graduate Level Course:
GCU/GPH/GIS/PUP 484/584: Internship – internships are experiential learning activities designed to provide students with opportunities to make connections between the theory and practice of academic study and the practical application of that study in a professional work environment. Internships offer the opportunity to explore a career while gaining relevant experience and professional connections. Also, internships provide an opportunity for students to contribute to endeavors which have a real effect in the surrounding community. This course supports students to think critically and reflect on their internship experience and professional development. (Online; Course Development)
Arizona State University, Tempe
Undergraduate/Graduate Level Course:
GCU/GPH/GIS/PUP 484/584: Internship – internships are experiential learning activities designed to provide students with opportunities to make connections between the theory and practice of academic study and the practical application of that study in a professional work environment. Internships offer the opportunity to explore a career while gaining relevant experience and professional connections. Also, internships provide an opportunity for students to contribute to endeavors which have a real effect in the surrounding community. This course supports students to think critically and reflect on their internship experience and professional development. (Online; Course Development)
Instructor
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Graduate Level Courses:
CDPLN 715/PLAN 718: Principles and Strategies of Community Change – secondary instructor [primary instructor Huston Gibson]; this course analyzes principles and practices of community change and development, beginning with definitions of community and the contribution of community capitals to community well-being. (Online & Hybrid - Lecture/Online Respectively)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Graduate Level Courses:
CDPLN 715/PLAN 718: Principles and Strategies of Community Change – secondary instructor [primary instructor Huston Gibson]; this course analyzes principles and practices of community change and development, beginning with definitions of community and the contribution of community capitals to community well-being. (Online & Hybrid - Lecture/Online Respectively)
Instructor of Record
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Undergraduate/Graduate Level Course:
PLAN 699-N: Policy Analysis in Planning – introduces students to policy analysis as a set of systematic procedures aimed at resolving contemporary policy issues of the built environment. Students review, discuss, construct, and evaluate policies to enhance their awareness of the various approaches to policy-making in planning. The course is designed to augment a student’s capacity to define and critically analyze planning policy issues, effectively propose and communicate policy alternatives, and evaluate policy options and outcomes. Students are exposed to the basic methods, skills, and techniques necessary for responding to a wide range of planning policy issues relevant to professional practice. (Seminar; Course Development)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Undergraduate/Graduate Level Course:
PLAN 699-N: Policy Analysis in Planning – introduces students to policy analysis as a set of systematic procedures aimed at resolving contemporary policy issues of the built environment. Students review, discuss, construct, and evaluate policies to enhance their awareness of the various approaches to policy-making in planning. The course is designed to augment a student’s capacity to define and critically analyze planning policy issues, effectively propose and communicate policy alternatives, and evaluate policy options and outcomes. Students are exposed to the basic methods, skills, and techniques necessary for responding to a wide range of planning policy issues relevant to professional practice. (Seminar; Course Development)
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Graduate Level Courses:
PLAN 720: Infrastructure and Plan Implementation – examines infrastructure systems, the transportation process, land-use, and development standards; considers policy options and strategies; and reviews financing options and regulatory requirements associated with the various infrastructure elements. The course also reviews social and other issues that affect and are affected by infrastructure related decisions. (Seminar)
PLAN 699-K: Principles and Strategies of Community Change – this course analyzes principles and practices of community change and development, beginning with definitions of community and the contribution of community capitals to community well-being. (Lecture/Seminar)
Undergraduate Level Course:
PLAN 315: Introduction to City Planning – this course explores the origins and evolution of planning in response to economic, social, political, physical, and environmental issues. The planning process and its relationship to design professions and social and behavioral sciences is also examined. (Lecture & Online Sections; Course Development)
Kansas State University, Manhattan
Graduate Level Courses:
PLAN 720: Infrastructure and Plan Implementation – examines infrastructure systems, the transportation process, land-use, and development standards; considers policy options and strategies; and reviews financing options and regulatory requirements associated with the various infrastructure elements. The course also reviews social and other issues that affect and are affected by infrastructure related decisions. (Seminar)
PLAN 699-K: Principles and Strategies of Community Change – this course analyzes principles and practices of community change and development, beginning with definitions of community and the contribution of community capitals to community well-being. (Lecture/Seminar)
Undergraduate Level Course:
PLAN 315: Introduction to City Planning – this course explores the origins and evolution of planning in response to economic, social, political, physical, and environmental issues. The planning process and its relationship to design professions and social and behavioral sciences is also examined. (Lecture & Online Sections; Course Development)
Professional Practice
Environmental/Community Planner
SRF Consulting Group. Inc., Bismarck, ND
Supervisor: Cindy Gray, AICP, Principal
Primary Duties:
Project Contributions:
SRF Consulting Group. Inc., Bismarck, ND
Supervisor: Cindy Gray, AICP, Principal
Primary Duties:
- Assisted in the preparation of land use planning studies, comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, transportation plans, grant writing, and public involvement efforts.
- Collected data including but not limited to, transportation data, socio-economic data, land use data, zoning information, and natural features.
- Analyzed transportation, socio-economic, land use, zoning, natural features, and other related data for use in planning, transportation, and environmental studies.
Project Contributions:
- Regional Transportation Planning Assistance: St. Cloud, MN
- Comprehensive Plan Update: St. Louis County, MN
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Richfield, MN
- Long Range Transportation Plan Update: White Earth Reservation, MN
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Sauk Centre, MN
- Statewide Public Transit Coordination Plan: Kansas
- Environmental Doc. Main Avenue Reconstruction: Fargo, ND
- Planning and Zoning Services: City of Jamestown, ND
- Planning and Zoning Services: City of Killdeer, ND
- Environmental Doc. ND Highway 73 Landslide Repair: Fort Berthold Reservation, ND
- Northeast Morton County Future Land Use Plan: Morton County, ND
- Comprehensive Plan Update: McKenzie County, ND
- Grant Applications: Lake Waconia & Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, MN
- Zoning Ordinance Revision: City of Beulah, ND
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Williston, ND
- Comprehensive Plan Update: McHenry County, ND
- Joint Land Use Study: Minot Air Force Base, ND
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Garrison, ND
Planning Intern
Junction City/Geary County Planning and Zoning, Junction City, KS
Supervisor: David Yearout, AICP, CFM, Director
Primary Duties:
Junction City/Geary County Planning and Zoning, Junction City, KS
Supervisor: David Yearout, AICP, CFM, Director
Primary Duties:
- Forecasted population changes for Junction City and Geary County for the new comprehensive plan.
- Created a new and updated zoning map of Junction City with ArcGIS.
- Developed diagram maps for use in the new comprehensive plan.