Richard Norton

Richard K. Norton is a Professor at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, with a joint appointment in the Program in the Environment (PitE) under the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning and a J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with master’s degrees in Public Policy and Environmental Management from Duke University.

His research focuses on sustainable development, land use planning, planning law, and coastal management, particularly along the Laurentian Great Lakes. He actively contributes to the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP), leading legislative reforms for planning and zoning laws, including successful amendments in 2006 and 2008. He has authored amicus curiae briefs for the Michigan Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals on planning disputes.

Teaching areas include Climate Adaptation Planning, Planning Law, and Environmental Planning. Recent publications emphasize coastal resilience, legal frameworks for shoreline management, and citizen perceptions of environmental policies. He leads projects like the Resilient Great Lakes Coast initiative and has secured grants, including a $5M NSF award for transboundary water research.

Notable awards include the 2024 ACSP Top Reviewer Award. His work bridges academia, policy, and community engagement, addressing challenges in climate adaptation, coastal governance, and sustainable urban development.