UTC’s new urban studies minor aims to give planning voice to locals

"Lived experience is data," said Chandra Ward, who founded the program this fall. The interdisciplinary minor incorporates anthropology and sociology, she said.

Ward is an associate professor of sociology at UTC and director of the urban studies department. Her team has already conducted studies on neighborhood traffic calming and walkability with the Chattanooga Housing Authority and nonprofit developer Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise.