By Ryan Helterhoff | UF News
Nearly 1,000 people move to Florida each day according to University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, accelerating development that is reshaping communities and placing growing demands on the state’s natural resources and ecosystems.
At UF’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the next generation of planners and community leaders is learning to address these challenges, from smart growth and cultural preservation to supporting aging populations and advancing ecological conservation.
Faculty are at the forefront of research in affordable housing, transportation planning and conservation across the state. Centers such as the UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning provide critical support for projects including the Florida Wildlife Corridor, helping ensure wildlife can thrive amid expanding development pressures.
With expertise in areas such as geographic information systems and urban artificial intelligence, faculty are advancing research that improves the health of the built environment and supports the design of climate-resilient communities.
“At URP, we’re equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to become planning leaders,” said Kyle Dost, an instructional assistant professor. “As communities and technologies evolve, our students are prepared to guide that evolution with confidence, driving meaningful change across Florida and beyond.”
Students benefit from direct access to interdisciplinary faculty and experienced practitioners, including Elizabeth Abernethy, the department’s planner-in-residence and former director of planning and development services for the city of St. Petersburg.
The department also connects students with professionals through its advisory council, fellowship program, field trips and study abroad opportunities, helping prepare graduates to address real-world challenges and build lasting professional networks.
That approach was on full display last month when the department hosted its Planning Research & Practice Conference, bringing together more than 120 students, practitioners and researchers from around the world to exchange ideas on pressing planning challenges.
The largest event in the department’s history, the conference marked 50 years of URP excellence in planning research, practice, education and community engagement. It also underscored the importance of collaboration across disciplines, including health care, workforce education, emerging technologies and climate resilience.
“The quality and range of research on display reflected how dynamic and relevant planning has become — within our field and across disciplines that influence health, mobility, well-being and resilience,” said Abhinav Alakshendra, a faculty member and conference co-director.
Students from UF and universities across the Southeast presented their research and engaged directly with leading researchers, policymakers and practitioners during dedicated sessions.
“As a graduate planning student, I found the conference to be incredibly rewarding,” said Emily Teodoru, a graduate student and conference co-director. “I was able to connect with experienced practitioners, present my research and apply my leadership skills to help make the event a success.”
By bringing together students, alumni and global partners, the conference highlighted the strength of the UF urban planning community and its continued leadership in planning, development and conservation.
Housed within the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning offers a range of degree programs, including the nation’s first accredited, fully online Master of Urban and Regional Planning program. It will also launch the Bachelor of Urban Sciences and Planning in fall 2026, the first dedicated undergraduate planning degree of its kind in Florida.