Motivation & Philosophy
As a scholar, my research is often motivated by the adage expressed in many communities throughout the country, “our plans sit on a shelf and collect dust.” While this is by no means the experience of all communities, both academics and professionals generally concur that outcome and program evaluation are a deficient, if not the most deficient phases of community planning and development.
The central goal of my research agenda seeks to overcome this deficiency. To do so, my research investigates the successes and failures of community planning and development practices, programs, and policies while also identifying common trends among outcome sources. Originating from my tenure as a planning consultant, my other research motivation developed from an enlightened perception of regional planning. Since the political influence and responsibilities of most community planners and developers terminate at their boundaries, many of the functional and place-based issues we face are often neglected as they traverse established boundaries. The secondary goal of my research agenda seeks to investigate the implications of this phenomenon in both conventional and unconventional regions, while also advocating for collaborative leadership practices which foster tangible resolutions to regional issues of the built environment.
Ultimately, my research prioritizes the pursuit of practical inferences which not only advance the academic discourse but have value to professional planners and their communities. Some examples of key contributions I aim for in my research include: (1) fulfilling visible gaps in knowledge; (2) enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of community planning and development efforts; (3) strengthening the distinction between “good” and “bad” plans; (4) mitigating future damage to political and professional reputations; (5) preventing an unproductive allocation of future resources; (6) improving future community planning and development endeavors; and (7) increasing procedural efficiency.
The central goal of my research agenda seeks to overcome this deficiency. To do so, my research investigates the successes and failures of community planning and development practices, programs, and policies while also identifying common trends among outcome sources. Originating from my tenure as a planning consultant, my other research motivation developed from an enlightened perception of regional planning. Since the political influence and responsibilities of most community planners and developers terminate at their boundaries, many of the functional and place-based issues we face are often neglected as they traverse established boundaries. The secondary goal of my research agenda seeks to investigate the implications of this phenomenon in both conventional and unconventional regions, while also advocating for collaborative leadership practices which foster tangible resolutions to regional issues of the built environment.
Ultimately, my research prioritizes the pursuit of practical inferences which not only advance the academic discourse but have value to professional planners and their communities. Some examples of key contributions I aim for in my research include: (1) fulfilling visible gaps in knowledge; (2) enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of community planning and development efforts; (3) strengthening the distinction between “good” and “bad” plans; (4) mitigating future damage to political and professional reputations; (5) preventing an unproductive allocation of future resources; (6) improving future community planning and development endeavors; and (7) increasing procedural efficiency.
Future Research Agenda
Given the limited body of research on defense communities within urban planning and community development, my current research agenda aims to continue exploring the functional challenges of regional planning in these communities. This includes topical areas such as compatible land use, infrastructure planning, education and workforce development, collaborative leadership, and collective action, both at the national and global levels.
While significant to academic discourse, my future research agenda extends beyond defense communities. I am also focused on action-oriented research addressing broader community planning and development challenges, particularly those shaped by or impacting the built environment. Specific areas of interest include land use policy, collaborative governance, environmental sustainability, economic development, disaster preparedness and resilience, and housing. Additionally, my research seeks to collaborate with local communities, tribal reservations, federal and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations, aviation centers, and other community-based organizations.
To support this research agenda, my ideal institutional environment would provide:
While significant to academic discourse, my future research agenda extends beyond defense communities. I am also focused on action-oriented research addressing broader community planning and development challenges, particularly those shaped by or impacting the built environment. Specific areas of interest include land use policy, collaborative governance, environmental sustainability, economic development, disaster preparedness and resilience, and housing. Additionally, my research seeks to collaborate with local communities, tribal reservations, federal and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations, aviation centers, and other community-based organizations.
To support this research agenda, my ideal institutional environment would provide:
- A program which supports mixed-methods research.
- An institutional review board and library services that offer timely responses.
- Access to facilities equipped for urban and community studies research.
- Assistance with securing grant opportunities and recruiting doctoral students.
- Funding support to present research at relevant conferences.