UrbanKind Institute

UrbanKind Institute, located at 5 Esther Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a think-and-do tank founded in 2016 with the mission of creating kind cities for all residents. We prioritize equity and justice, bridging the gap between community experiences, public policy, and academic research. Our work focuses on education, environment, housing, jobs, neighborhoods, public safety, and transportation to improve outcomes for often-excluded populations.

Led by founder and CEO Dr. Jamil Bey, the institute has made significant impacts in the city, including Dr. Bey's recent appointment as the new Director of City Planning by Mayor Ed Gainey. Dr. Bey's dedication to environmental justice and social equity aligns with the institute's core values, emphasizing interdisciplinary work and intersectional approaches to achieve justice.

At UrbanKind Institute, we prioritize the voices and priorities of residents in the communities we serve, ensuring they are the primary beneficiaries of our work. Our applied research and policy analysis use a critical lens to address issues of equity, transparency, sustainability, and integrity. We collaborate with various stakeholders to develop policies and procedures that increase capacity, funding, engagement, and success for programs and organizations we support.

We believe in asking critical questions, engaging in honest conversations, and fostering synergies with our allies to create positive change in our city. Dr. Bey's leadership and commitment to justice will guide the Department of City Planning towards a more just, welcoming, and safe city for all residents, workers, and visitors.