We believe cities should be kind places for people.
Welcome to UrbanKind
The UrbanKind Difference
Founded in 2016 to lift up the voices of over-burdened and under-resourced residents in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, UrbanKind Institute is a Pittsburgh-based think-and-do tank. Rooted in a commitment to equity and justice, we bridge the gap between community experiences, public policy, program evaluation and academic research, bringing different people and ideas together.
We are informed by a diverse set of experiences and a critical, interdisciplinary lens. We seek to expand equitable and just outcomes, strengthen the voices of often-excluded populations, and improve youth outcomes. Our work spans several areas: education, environment, housing, jobs, neighborhoods, public safety, and transportation.
Our success is rooted in our belief in asking critical questions. Acknowledging, understanding, and discussing contentious or uncomfortable issues is necessary to address problems and create effective solutions. Positive change--change that benefits all parties--doesn't happen without honest and sometimes tough conversations.
May 2024
Dr. Janora Bey named as Deputy Director
Dr. Janora Bey oversees program management and strategic operations to drive impactful Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) initiatives.
Our Work
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
We center the voices, lived experiences, goals, and priorities of residents from the communities we serve in decisions, research, program evaluation and investments in their communities, so that residents are the primary beneficiaries.
Program Evaluation
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
We partner with organizations to promote equity, transparency, sustainability, and integrity in all programs. We help strengthen initiatives through strategic program specific evaluation, program evaluation, alternative metrics, focus group facilitation, and assessments.
Equity Based Facilitation
Equity Based Facilitation
Equity Based Facilitation
We work with businesses, non-profit organizations, service providers, and community-based groups to help them understand, evaluate, and discuss the issues that matter to them.
Research & Policy
Equity Based Facilitation
Equity Based Facilitation
UrbanKind Institute specializes in applied research and policy analysis that uses a critical, interdisciplinary lens.