Vision to Practice: 11 Impactful Field Projects Completed by UEP Student Teams in Spring 2023

In May 2023, first-year UEP MA, MS, and MSS students closed the curtain on 11 Field Projects they carried out with nonprofit, community, and governmental partners. This required course puts teams of 4-6 students together to work on real-world projects for the entire spring semester. The project reports can be found on the UEP Field Projects web page.

This year’s field projects covered a range of topics, including zoning reform, agricultural land use conservation, climate resiliency, climate gentrification, urban biodiversity enhancement, access to public spaces, energy decarbonization, and affordable housing trust funds. Each project involved collaboration with various partners, including city departments, environmental organizations, planning councils, and community groups, to address real-world challenges in the respective areas. Check out this year’s projects below:

Project TitlePartner
Optimizing Tax Revenue through Zoning Reform: A Case Study of the City of BrocktonBrockton Planning and Economic Development Department
Agricultural Land Use Conservation in Environmental Justice Communities across the North ShoreGreenbelt Essex County’s Land Trust
A Rising Tide: Planning for Resilient Roadway Access in Barnstable, Mattapoisett, and Quincy, MAWoods Hole Group
 Exploring Climate Gentrification in MassachusettsConservation Law Foundation
The Water Remembers Historical Wetlands & Stormwater: Flooding in the MAPC RegionMetropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
Walk this Way: A Conditions and Needs Assessment of Davis SquareSomerville Alliance for Safe Streets (SASS)
Digging in for the Long Haul: Examining Somerville Community Growing Center’s Reach, Community Impact, and JusticeSomerville Community Growing Center
Exploring Urban Ecology: Closing the Gap & Enhancing Urban Biodiversity in the Town of ArlingtonTown of Arlington
Breaking Down Barriers: Supporting Equitable Access to Moakley ParkBoston Harbor Now
Opportunities for Decarbonizing Small Residential Buildings in MassachusettsMassachusetts Clean Energy Center
Moving the Needle: Evaluating Affordable Housing Trust Funds in MassachusettsMassachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)