The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis at The Ohio State University celebrated its 25th anniversary on April 10 with a brunch event, receiving commendations from the Ohio House of Representatives, Senate, and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.
Founded in 2001, the center focuses on research and outreach to help build more sustainable and connected communities through geospatial science. The celebration highlighted CURA’s collaborative approach over the years.
Harvey Miller, director of CURA and geography professor, said, “What makes CURA’s story especially meaningful is that it’s always been a collective. A collective effort whose success is a product of the dedication of its founders, the leadership of university partners, the trust of community collaborators, and the energy and insight of students and researchers at every stage of their career.”
Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders and CURA’s first graduate research associate in 2001, addressed attendees via video about how his experience shaped his career. “…The tools my team uses to examine these issues…are all based on the topics and tools I learned at Ohio State and CURA back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.”
Ryan King, dean of social and behavioral sciences at Ohio State University said: “Ohio State was founded on the land-grant promise that a great university owes something to the people that it serves. And I applaud CURA for taking that promise seriously through your word, through your deed, and through your fulfillment of that mission.” King added about CURA’s work: “It’s social science with a soul.”
One notable project by CURA is Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus—a digital recreation highlighting neighborhoods affected by interstate construction. Shelbi Toone from Poindexter Village African American Museum called this work “priceless,” saying it has been “a game-changer for possibilities” in telling those stories.
Rep. Dontavius Jarrells spoke about how CURA helps leaders address complex issues: “You’ve helped leaders understand where growth is happening…and where attention is needed most. You have informed decisions on housing…public health…and economic development in ways that strengthen not just Columbus but the entire state.”
The Ohio State University supports academics as well as athletics across its six campuses statewide according to its official website. The university competes in 36 varsity sports—earning Big Ten championships—and features facilities like Wexner Center for the Arts while contributing to community engagement efforts such as pediatric cancer research fundraising according to its official website.
Looking ahead after two decades marked by collaboration between researchers, students, policymakers and local organizations—CURA continues its mission aligned with Ohio State’s land-grant values by advancing education access alongside innovative research according to its official website.
