PLACES Institute Publications

Institute Reports and Briefs

The PLACES Institute publishes a variety of different reports and briefs that are tied to the programs and projects underway. Reports are comprehensive writings investigating a particular topic of regional scientific interest. Briefs are shorter examinations of a particular topic. This site also hosts reports conducted by institute fellows on related projects created prior to the PLACES Institute itself; see below for codes.

Community Profiles

The PLACES Institute's Vibrant Communities project seeks to provide ongoing data and insights aimed at aiding planners and policymakers make better decisions. The Community Profiles we offer are a brief examination and overview of the community downtown central business district. We collect data on the number and type of establishments, the vacant rate, and the extent of locally owned establishments. In addition, we provide a brief snapshot of the community history and identity, a satellite image of the settlement pattern, and preliminary population information. The current wave of reports is basic but we expect them to become more elaborate over time.

SOAR: Undergraduate Social Science Research Journal

The journal, SOAR, is housed within the PLACES Institute, and provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to become published through a rigorous peer-review system. Student research in SOAR is not necessarily connected to PLACES research programs.

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Other Outlets

PLACES research may appear in peer-reviewed journals, book manuscripts, or other mainstream publication outlets. The only exception is proprietary or contractual research (e.g., COVID reports given to university administration to aid in planning efforts).

Some of the research may be found in the Studies in Urban-Rural Dynamics Book Series, with Lexington Books, along with its predecessors, Critical Rural Theory and Studies in Urbanormativity (both also with Lexington Books).