Gregg Kelly

Gregg Kelly is an Assistant Professor of Urban Planning at the University at Buffalo, specializing in street design, pedestrian environments, and urban history. She co-directs the undergraduate environmental design program and holds leadership roles in professional organizations like the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) and the American Planning Association (WNY APA). Her research bridges historical and contemporary urban planning, with a focus on pedestrianization, pandemic-era street adaptations, and climate resilience.

• Education: PhD in Planning (University of Toronto, 2019), MUP/MUD (University of Michigan), BLA (Pennsylvania State University).
• Professional Experience: Taught at Ball State University, managed technical projects at the Niehoff Urban Studio, and contributed to Detroit’s climate action plan.

Her research interests emphasize the evolution of public space, including post-war pedestrian malls, pandemic-driven curb management, and Victor Gruen’s urban theories. She analyzes how historical planning models inform contemporary urban challenges, such as climate adaptation and equitable public space design.

Key articles explore pandemic-era street interventions, the legacy of Victor Gruen, and Antwerp’s pedestrianization history. These works highlight her interdisciplinary approach to urban policy and design.

Active in academic service, Kelly reviews for journals like Planning Perspectives and advocates for inclusive urban planning through policy analysis and community engagement. She previously collaborated on climate adaptation projects in Manhattan after Hurricane Sandy, showcased in The Atlantic Cities.