Livable Cities Lab
Creating livable cities for allThe UCI Livable Cities Lab has been created to leverage the academic expertise of UCI faculty and students in order to engage policy makers and stakeholders around three important issues: providing dignified housing for all, creating and maintaining safe communities; and promoting social enterprise as a way for faculty and students to have their research and ideas contribute to the greater good.
Message from the Director
George E. Tita, Director of Livable Cities Lab
Words matter. At this moment in time, this two-word sentence carries significant weight in how we portray the world and policies around us. Protest. Riot. Insurrection. Different words that share commonality in the events and actions they describe but when used elicit a very different set of emotions and responses. Other words and phrases have become part of our nomenclature that are often poorly understood, or at least lack a singular idea that can make them actionable. “Defund the police” can be used and misused to score points depending on one’s point of view. This isn’t acceptable in policy debates. We must choose our words with a purpose and goal in mind.
The Livable Cities Lab (LCL) is dedicated to do just that – choosing words carefully and imparting meaning and clarity to the policy challenges we aim to address.
HOUSING
We believe that the shelf-life of the term “affordable housing” has expired. Affordable housing is not a one- size– fits- all. That is why we believe that the only housing that matters is “dignified housing.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
What role should universities play in the shaping/reshaping of the criminal justice system, especially local law enforcement? This, along with “defunding the police,” are highly contentious issues within academia and among the broader community.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Outcomes pertaining to the main tenets of environmentalism, social justice, and a corporate governance structure that promotes fair and equitable returns to investors and employees.
Goals
Launched to leverage the academic expertise of UCI faculty and students, the LCL aims to engage policy makers and stakeholders around three important issues: providing dignified housing for all; creating and maintaining safe communities; and promoting social enterprise as a way for faculty and students to see their research and ideas contribute to the greater good.
