Meagan Ehlenz

Meagan Ehlenz is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, serving as Associate Director of Planning programs. She specializes in urban revitalization, community development, and the role of anchor institutions in fostering community wealth. Her research bridges academic and applied perspectives, informed by her prior roles as a planning consultant, city planner, and research associate at the Penn Institute for Urban Research.

Education: Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania; M.U.P. in Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; B.A. in Environmental Design from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Research focuses on mechanisms for community wealth building, shared equity models, and the impact of universities as anchor institutions. Notable contributions include case studies on urban universities' investments in neighborhood revitalization and her work with the Anchor Institution Roundtable. She is a certified planner (AICP) and has directed projects linking academic initiatives to local development needs.

Teaching emphasizes planning ethics, practicum experiences, and urban housing issues, reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice. Awards include the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Dissertation Fellowship, recognizing her work on equitable urban development strategies.