Chinatown Urban Institute Summer 2019: An Introduction to Place-Based Community Planning

Curious about exploring community planning and development through an equity and justice lens? Apply to the 2019 Chinatown Urban Institute!

APPLY HERE by APRIL 14, 2019 11:59PM Pacific Time:
http://bit.ly/2WrARQo

San Francisco’s Chinatown is a neighborhood with over 150 years of place-based advocacy and community development. In response to the 1906 earthquake and exclusionary policies, the neighborhood has resisted displacement and thrived, persisting today as a vibrant immigrant community with its unique forms of community-based sustainability and resilience. This year’s Chinatown Urban Institute will focus on these neighborhood efforts, situating it first in historical context and case studies of advocacy and organizing around topics such as housing, economic development, transportation, public space, and sustainability.

Selected Fellows are expected to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week to participate enthusiastically in the sessions and interactive explorations of the Chinatown community. There are required course readings and short written reflection assignments. Fellows will also complete a group project where they will creatively apply their planning knowledge in a hands-on manner. Participants will receive a small stipend upon satisfactory completion of all course expectations.


The Chinatown Urban Institute is a seven-week youth empowerment and professional development program offered by the Chinatown Community Development Center in San Francisco. The program is for young leaders ages 18-24 to understand and take action on urban planning issues, using the City as a living and breathing laboratory for knowledge. Through an inquiry-based approach, Urban Fellows will learn the history, technical skills, and pragmatic applications of the planning profession as a tool for social justice and advocacy. Biweekly sessions feature seminars, walking tours, and interactive fieldwork components to give the participants hands-on experience in grassroots community planning. Graduates of this program have gone on to positions in city government and Chinatown CDC’s youth, planning and housing development departments.

Topics by Week:
Week 1 | June 18, 20: Orientation to Chinatown and History
Week 2 | June 25, 27: Housing and Economic Development
Week 3 | July 2: Planning 101 and Observation Skills // No Class July 4
Week 4 | July 9, 11: Transportation Justice and Public Space
Week 5 | July 16, 18: Sustainability and Future Chinatown
Week 6 | July 23, 25: Project Development
Week 7 | July 30, August 1: Group Projects and Final Presentations

Applications due APRIL 14, 2019 11:59PM Pacific Time:

http://bit.ly/2WrARQo