Domenic Vitiello

Domenic Vitiello is an Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Pennsylvania (2004). His research focuses on immigrant communities, urban agriculture, and the history of urban planning. Vitiello’s work examines how migration patterns, food systems, and historical policies shape contemporary urban landscapes. He teaches courses on metropolitan food systems, migration and development, and the role of immigrant communities in urban contexts.

His scholarly contributions include studies on the transformation of Chinatowns, the politics of sanctuary cities, and the ecological and economic potential of urban agriculture. Vitiello’s research bridges historical analysis with contemporary urban challenges, emphasizing questions of equity, sustainability, and community resilience. His work often intersects with themes of urban policy, cultural preservation, and transnational migration.

Notable projects include analyses of Philadelphia’s urban development history, the impact of immigrant labor on cultural economies, and the role of food systems in community revitalization. Vitiello’s interdisciplinary approach combines urban studies, environmental sociology, and historical methodologies to address pressing urban issues.