About
Center for Urban Affairs

The Center for Urban Affairs' mission is to enable public and private sector organizations to enhance the livability of urban communities by providing research, technical assistance and policy analysis.

CUA conducts a wide variety of basic and applied research for foundations and federal, state, and local governments. It has studied urban crime, housing, race relations, community development, urban poverty, environmental protection, land use, growth management, and economic development.

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The Center enjoys a widespread reputation for research and technical assistance excellence, and its recommendations have influenced urban policy and planning throughout the metropolitan region.

Many public and non-profit organizations have research and technical assistance needs such as collecting and analyzing basic data on urban and regional conditions; surveying clients and interpreting their needs; defining and assessing problems; evaluating the impacts of programs; and forecasting urban and regional trends. The Center matches these needs with the interests and expertise of its staff and UAB faculty in an interdisciplinary effort.

Through the conduct of the highest quality basic and applied research, CUA is committed to improving living conditions in our city and metropolitan area. The Center's capabilities include broad knowledge and experience on topics of substantive interest; policy research and evaluation, questionnaire construction; data analysis and interpretation; and report preparation.