T. William Lester

T. William Lester is a Research Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He specializes in urban economic development, labor standards, and policy evaluation. His work focuses on reducing income inequality and promoting equitable economic growth through evidence-based policy analysis.

Dr. Lester holds a PhD from UC Berkeley (2009), a Master of Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2001), and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania (1999). He is affiliated with the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill.

His research includes groundbreaking studies on minimum wage policies, green economy employment, and urban renewal impacts in Chicago. Notable projects include analyzing restaurant industry labor practices and assessing the long-term effects of the Fight for $15 movement. He has been cited by major institutions like the Council of Economic Advisors and the New York Times.

Recent work includes evaluating the Paycheck Protection Program’s racial impacts, post-pandemic tech worker migration patterns, and urban resilience strategies. Dr. Lester’s publications span academic journals, policy briefs, and consulting reports using tools like IMPLAN for economic analysis.

He received the 2013 Chester Rapkin Award for his article on living wage policies. His current book project examines Urban Renewal’s legacy on Chicago’s South Side. He advises policymakers on equitable development strategies and collaborates with local governments to support small businesses during crises.