Housing and community development issues across Memphis and the Mid-South region impact the University of Memphis as well as all of our neighbors. Contributing to a positive sense of place for the community is important.

Partners in Place-making

From research on sustainable designs to forward thinking city planning collaboratives and housing policy, the University takes its role as a good neighbor seriously. Faculty and students participate in many partnerships that benefit the housing of the region.

Graduate students in the Housing and Community Development Fellowship program work through the school of Urban Affairs and Public Policy with organizations across the city. The program is coordinated with the Community Development Council of Greater Memphis to link student work to community initiatives and priority neighborhoods identified by the Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development.

Law students investigate, research, hear, adjudicate, and issue written opinions on administrative appeals involving participants in the Memphis Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher Program who have challenged adverse decisions affecting their eligibility for or amounts of public housing assistance they are receiving.

Architecture and engineering students collaborate with community partners to develop sustainable methods and technology, such as the award winning TERRA House in Uptown Memphis.

Strengthening Communities

In recognition of the importance of these issues, the Strengthening Communities Initiative lists Housing as one of six focus areas for community grant funds for neighborhood based community organizations partnered with a University faculty member.

"The twentieth century was about getting around. The twenty-first century will be about staying in a place worth staying in." -James Howard Kunstler