About Laura Solitare
Laura Solitare, PhD
Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy
Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs
Texas Southern University
About Me
I became an urban planner because I wanted to make a difference. I've always cared deeply about social and racial justice, and planning gives me a way to put those values into practice. My research explores why some communities benefit from public investments and environmental protections while others are left behind. I'm particularly interested in understanding what we can do to change that.
I chose academia to pursue research that matters to me and to share my vision for more equitable communities with future planners. I came to Texas Southern University because I believe in the important role HBCUs play in educating the next generation of planners. I enjoy teaching and learning from my students. I encourage them to question whose interests’ planning serves and consider how we could do things differently. I want them to develop their own ideas about how planning can improve communities. I know my impact will extend far beyond my own work as my students go on to shape communities in ways I never could on my own.
Research & Teaching
Research Interests: Environmental justice, housing and community development, disaster recovery, government capacity, and urban environmental policy.
Current Research: Examining local government capacity to achieve equitable housing recovery following disasters and disparities in access to protection from railroad horn noise.
Teaching: Emphasizes critical thinking about the role of planning in communities. Courses taught include statistics, environmental planning and land-use law.
Education
- PhD, Urban Planning and Policy Development — Rutgers University
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning — Virginia Commonwealth University
- BS, Renewable Natural Resources — University of Connecticut
Contact Information
Email: laura.solitare@tsu.edu
Associate Professor