Chris Tilly

Chris Tilly is a Professor of Urban Planning and Sociology at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and Urban Studies from MIT and a B.A. in Biochemistry from Harvard College.

His research focuses on labor markets, inequality, urban development, and public policy, particularly exploring how institutions and markets shape labor outcomes. Key areas include part-time work, gender/racial disparities, and job mobility. Tilly has conducted comparative research in countries such as Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa, with expertise in the U.S. and Latin America. He has collaborated with advocacy groups, labor unions, and community organizations, including serving on the Board of Grassroots International and co-editing Dollars and Sense for 20 years.

His work emphasizes improving labor standards through policy and collective action. Notable projects include analyzing informal work dynamics, global labor movements, and the impacts of technological change on retail jobs. Tilly’s publications span academic journals and policy reports, addressing topics like precarious work, migration, and the future of labor in the global economy.

His current research projects are accessible at his UCLA webpage. He is based in the Public Affairs Building, Room 5358.