Claudia B. Isaac

Claudia B. Isaac is a Regents' Professor and Distinguished Professor at the University of New Mexico's School of Architecture and Planning, holding a faculty position in the Department of City and Regional Planning. Her work focuses on community-driven approaches to urban challenges, emphasizing participatory methods and social justice. Isaac earned a Ph.D. from UCLA, an MPA/URP from Princeton University, and a BA from Bryn Mawr College.

Her research explores food systems transformation, affordable housing, and community resilience through collaborative frameworks. Notable projects include evaluations of the La Cosecha CSA agricultural cooperative and the AFSC-NM's programming impact. Isaac's work bridges academic research with grassroots activism, often collaborating with nonprofits and government agencies to empower marginalized communities.

Her teaching includes courses on planning theory, qualitative research methods, and community economics. Isaac has received prestigious awards including the UNM Community Engaged Research Lecture Award and YWCA's Woman on the Move Award for her impactful work in social justice and equity education.

Recent publications highlight themes of participatory evaluation, community economic development, and food systems policy, reflecting her commitment to actionable research that directly benefits underserved populations.