UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation. The center is a leading interdisciplinary research hub within the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs dedicated to solving pressing environmental challenges through actionable policy solutions. It brings together faculty, students, and stakeholders to conduct applied research at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and innovation. The center's work directly informs policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels, translating academic insights into real-world impact.

History and mission

The center was established in 2008 through a transformative gift from Renee Luskin and Meyer Luskin, prominent philanthropists and University of California benefactors. Its founding was part of a broader renaming of the school to the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. The mission is to harness the research expertise of UCLA to create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for California and communities worldwide. It specifically aims to produce knowledge that empowers public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to implement effective environmental policies and programs.

Research and initiatives

Research is organized into several cross-cutting initiatives that address critical sustainability domains. The Clean Energy initiative focuses on accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles, often in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission. The Sustainable Water initiative develops strategies for water conservation, stormwater capture, and climate-resilient management, collaborating with entities like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The Climate Adaptation initiative works on community resilience to wildfires, heat waves, and sea-level rise, informing plans for cities and county governments. The Equitable Land Use initiative examines issues of environmental justice, affordable housing, and transit-oriented development to promote healthier communities.

Impact and partnerships

The center's research has directly shaped significant environmental policies and investments. Its analysis has informed California's landmark SB 100 clean energy legislation, the California Solar Initiative, and statewide programs for electric vehicle infrastructure. It maintains strong partnerships with public agencies such as the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the City of Los Angeles. Collaborations with community-based organizations like Pacoima Beautiful and the Trust for Public Land ensure that research addresses on-the-ground equity concerns. The center also regularly engages with private sector leaders in technology and renewable energy.

Leadership and organization

The center is led by Founding Faculty Director J.R. DeShazo, a professor of Public Policy and Urban Planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Its operations are supported by a team of staff researchers, project managers, and fellows who coordinate its diverse portfolio. An advisory board comprising leaders from academia, government, and the philanthropic community, such as the Hewlett Foundation, provides strategic guidance. The center deeply integrates with the University of California system, mentoring graduate students from the Master of Public Policy and Master of Urban and Regional Planning programs who contribute to its research projects.

Publications and resources

The center disseminates its findings through a robust pipeline of publicly accessible reports, policy briefs, and interactive data tools. Notable publications include the annual "California Green Innovation Index" produced in partnership with Next 10, and in-depth studies on community solar programs and urban heat island mitigation. It maintains online data portals, such as the "Electric Vehicle Ready Communities" mapping tool, used by planners and policymakers. These resources are frequently cited in media outlets like the Los Angeles Times and inform proceedings at the California State Legislature.

Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:University of California, Los Angeles Category:Environmental organizations based in California Category:2008 establishments in California