Henry Renski

Henry Renski is a Professor and Chair of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He also serves as Director of the UMASS Center for Economic Development and Graduate Program Director of the PhD in Regional Planning. His research focuses on regional economic competitiveness, technological and social forces shaping economic development, and policy effectiveness, with specialties in spatial analysis, GIS, and industrial clusters. Dr. Renski holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2006) and has prior experience as a Special Assistant to the Governor of Maine, working on economic initiatives like the WIRED program.

His work bridges academic research and applied policy, addressing topics such as climate migration, innovation districts, renewable energy impacts, and racial equity in labor markets. He teaches courses in quantitative methods, GIS, and economic development policy. Key affiliations include the UMASS Center for Economic Development and the Institute for Social Science Research.

Recent research trends highlight urban policy innovation, climate adaptation strategies, and the intersection of technology with regional transformation. His applied projects include feasibility studies for infrastructure (e.g., Massachusetts Horse Park) and economic analyses for municipalities like Boxborough. Dr. Renski's interdisciplinary approach combines data science with community engagement to drive equitable economic outcomes.