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 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.
The UrbanKind Institute proudly announces the appointment of its founder and CEO, Dr. Jamil Bey, as the new Director of City Planning by Mayor Ed Gainey. Dr. Bey, a native of Pittsburgh's Beltzhoover neighborhood and a resident of Overbrook, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
Dr. Bey's leadership has made a lasting impact on the city. As an original member and organizer of the Pittsburgh Water Equity Task Force, he spearheaded efforts to promote fair investment and management practices for local water infrastructure. His dedication to environmental justice and geosciences earned him the prestigious President's Medal from the Geological Society of America (GSA) in 2023.
Founded in 2016, The UrbanKind Institute serves as both a research hub and advocacy group, placing a strong emphasis on fostering social equity and justice. With a core mission to integrate academic research with tangible social progress, the institute prioritizes interdisciplinary work and intersectional approaches to achieving justice as a guiding principle. Dr. Bey will carry over this ethos into his new role with the city.
"I am deeply thankful to Mayor Gainey for his acknowledgment and unwavering trust in my methodology," expressed Dr. Bey. "This appointment serves as a reaffirmation of our ongoing efforts at UrbanKind. As the Director of the Department of City Planning, I remain committed to actively involving and bolstering our community allies. Together, we will persist in fostering synergies with our nonprofit, academic, and philanthropic affiliates, working tirelessly to cultivate a city that is just, welcoming, and safe for all who live, work, and visit here.”
In his new capacity, Dr. Bey succeeds former Director Karen Abrams, as she transitions to the role of Deputy Director of Programming for the Chisholm Legacy Project. Mayor Gainey and Ms. Abrams have expressed their unwavering certainty in Dr. Bey's ability to lead the Department of Planning with distinction.
“With Dr. Bey at the helm, I have full confidence in the Department of Planning's trajectory. His exceptional intellect, coupled with his genuine care for our city, assures me that the department is in capable hands.” said Abrams.
Abrams notes that since she and Dr. Bey are “similarly aligned” the direction of the department's work will remain largely consistent with its current trajectory, especially concerning the City's comprehensive plan.
During the transition period, Dr. Bey will serve as Acting Director of the Department of Planning until his confirmation by the City Council on April 8th. UrbanKind will announce their new Acting Operations Director after Dr. Bey’s confirmation.
We center the voices, lived experiences, goals, and priorities of residents from the communities we serve in decisions, research, and investments in their communities, so that residents are the primary beneficiaries.
UrbanKind Institute specializes in applied research and policy analysis that uses a critical, interdisciplinary lens.
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.
We evaluate areas of deficit in equity, transparency, sustainability, and integrity in order to develop policies and procedures that increase capacity, funding, participant engagement and success for the programs and collaborating organizations we support
Sign up to receive updates, learn about upcoming events, and more!