Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Bruce Appleyard on Planning, Mobility, and Equity

Dr. Bruce Appleyard, city planning faculty member, has had an active and productive period, contributing to public conversations, academic research, and student mentorship in city and transportation planning.

During winter break, Dr. Appleyard delivered a series of book talks in Hawaiʻi and appeared on two nationally recognized podcasts focused on urbanism and mobility. He was interviewed on The War on Cars podcast and Booked on Planning, where he discussed issues related to city planning, transportation systems, and equity. These conversations highlight the growing public interest in how planning decisions shape everyday urban life.

On the research front, Dr. Appleyard, together with Joe Gibbons, recently published a paper titled “Gentrification in Motion: Linking Urban Walkability and Connectivity with Neighborhood Change.” The study examines the relationship between investments in walkability and connectivity and patterns of neighborhood change, contributing to ongoing debates about equity, displacement, and the unintended consequences of urban improvement efforts.

Dr. Appleyard also continues to support student scholarship and professional development. With funding from the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety (CPBS), MCP graduate Wesley Cooksy traveled to Washington, DC, to present his thesis at the Transportation Research Board Conference. His paper, “Developing an Urban Quality Metric for Transit Access and Safety,” focuses on measuring how urban environments support safe and equitable access to transit.

Together, these activities reflect Dr. Appleyard’s continued engagement in research, public scholarship, and the advancement of future planning professionals.