Who We Are
The future of research is rooted in collaboration.
At urbanCORE, we guide the shift toward community-engaged research—bridging scholarship and community to address real-world challenges. Our work reflects a shared commitment to social mobility, sustainability, and innovation, aligning with UNC Charlotte’s vision for impactful scholarship.
Established in 2020 by the Office of Academic Affairs, urbanCORE emerged as a bold response to UNC Charlotte’s Civic Action Plan—a strategy designed to improve social outcomes through collective impact.
This plan mobilizes University resources, community-based research, and collaborative partnerships to address regional needs in transformative ways.
At urbanCORE, we embrace the evolving landscape of research, where addressing complex societal challenges demands innovation and actionable solutions. We believe that impactful scholarship must explore the root causes of pressing issues while offering practical, evidence-based responses. This means working collaboratively with communities—not only to understand their needs, but to develop strategies that strengthen resilience and support long-term success.
By mobilizing, assessing, and advancing efforts that connect the University’s interdisciplinary research resources to community priorities, urbanCORE helps drive impactful partnerships and applied scholarship. We are proud to lead initiatives that shape the future of urban research in the Charlotte region. Together, we are not just studying problems—we’re solving them, strengthening communities, and laying the groundwork for meaningful progress.