This interactive timeline recounts the history of the program, highlights impactful projects and events, and celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni, faculty, and students. It is a way to celebrate the BIG impact that our little program has had on community development in Memphis and beyond – through the research and policy work of faculty members, the community-engaged work of our courses, the inspiration and innovation of our diverse students, and the leadership of our alumni.;xNLx;;xNLx;We need your help to improve the timeline.;xNLx;;xNLx;This tool is intended to be a living work-in-progress, and can easily be modified and expanded to represent the collective memory of our UofM Planning family. This was created by faculty and alumni volunteers who scoured old accreditation self-study reports, annual reports, and document archives, and spoke with former faculty members. Despite those efforts, there is no doubt that we have missed many important projects, highlights, and accomplishments. (50 years is a long time!) ;xNLx;;xNLx;A slide at the end of the timeline includes a form where you can suggest additions and upload images and other media. (Surely someone has some old pics of Gene Pearson!) We'll keep adding to the timeline, so check back often!;xNLx;;xNLx;Learn more about our 50th Anniversary celebration and events here:;xNLx;[https://www.memphis.edu/planning/](https://www.memphis.edu/planning/);xNLx;;xNLx;Note: You can control how you view the timeline. On the bottom left of the screen you can choose 2d or 3d view. And other "wrench" button bottom right allows you to adjust view types and spacing. When viewing on a computer or tablet, we think the default 2d view is best. When viewing on a phone, it is best to hold your phone in the horizontal position.
Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) is one of EDA's first University Centers, created to provide planning assistance to local businesses and governments.
Gene Pearson co-authors the original master’s planning program curriculum. He would go on to lead the graduate program for 25 years.
The program is established as the "Graduate Program in Planning" -- initially an independent unit outside the University’s existing system of colleges.
The graduate planning program gains stability, finding a home within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Linzy Albert retires and Gene Pearson becomes Director of the Division of City and Regional Planning.
Reza continues to teach and create impactful scholarship today.
Ian McHarg of the University of Pennsylvania, author of the planning classic, Design with Nature, serves as the first speaker at the MPZI.
The newly-formed Planning Accreditation Board grants full accreditation to the Master of City and Regional Planning degree program.
Dr. Susan Roakes joins the faculty and begins teaching students how to conduct resident-led neighborhood plans.
Gene Pearson’s report, “Streetcar Trolleys and the Revitalization of Urban Centers” is influential in restoring the operation of the historic trolley system in downtown Memphis.
The ability to display geographic data visually and conduct spatial analysis transforms the program's teaching, research, and community engagement.
This new structure is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among existing degree programs with a strong urban focus.
The REDC report, “Fiscal Impact of NBA Team and Arena,” precedes relocation of NBA Grizzlies from Vancouver to Memphis.
Gene Pearson serves as Chairman of the 21-member Shelby Farms Advisory Committee that will provide a framework recommendation for the management and conservation of Shelby Farms and the creation of Shelby Farms Park.
Gene Pearson is honored with TAPA Lifetime Achievement Award coinciding with his retirement from the UofM.
Dr. Charlie Santo and students Andy Trippel and Nate Ferguson engage youth in improving their neighborhoods, while providing training and exposure to careers in city planning.
Highly regarded for his participatory planning efforts in East St. Louis and New Orleans, Reardon raises the profile of the UofM planning program.
Findings of this REDC report influence a major shakeup of the structure of school districts in Shelby County
SoMeRAP is a resident-led effort to transform South Memphis mobilizing local residents, institutions, and allies to implement a comprehensive economic and community development strategy.
This early “tactical urbanism” intervention helps transform Broad Avenue by demonstrating streetscape improvements and injecting activity with pop-up shops.
The organization of progressive planning comes to Memphis to learn and work.
The Department begins an annual tradition tradition of preparing a playlist of songs about cities for the graduating students.
Ken Reardon passes the leadership mantel.
The program offers is first summer study abroad program in the Simeto River Valley region of Sicily, giving students a unique opportunity to apply their skills while experiencing planning in another culture.
The Tennessee chapter of the American Planning Association (TAPA) honors the Brownsville on the Move plan with the 2013 Outstanding Planning Award (Small Community Category).
The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is the largest grantmaker in the Mid-South. They also host the LIVEGIVEmidsouth community information system, which provides both a data-driven look at issues and needs in Greater Memphis.
The “Slim House” is developed as a signature project of the Memphis Music Magnet plan.
Dr. Antonio Raciti and students develop the concept for a West Memphis Eco-Park at the terminus of the Big River Crossing, supported by a grant from the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Sustainability.
The Green Machine Mobile Food Market is launched, in cooperation with St. Patrick Community Outreach Center, and the Vance Avenue Collaborative.
In a symbolic victory, the Division is officially reclassified as a Department.
The University of Memphis Design Collaborative (UMDC) is created as an interdisciplinary research and outreach center under the direction of Andy Kitsinger (MCRP 2005).
Kyle is lauded as a "Champions 0f Change" in the Innovators in Transportation category.
The program aims to educate the next generation of urban planners and scholars, influence planning policy and knowledge through research, and engage with local partners in innovative planning efforts.
Tommy would serve as President of MMDC from its inception until his untimely death in 2020. MMDC remains one of the most impactful community development organizations in Memphis.
The Memphis 3.0 plan is the city’s first comprehensive plan since 1981, and provides guidance for combatting harmful urban sprawl through coordinated development.
Emily continues to serves as Director of Planning & Sustainability for City of Franklin, Tennessee.
The Routledge Companion to Professional Awareness and Diversity in Planning Education
Andy works with Innovate Memphis to offer Transit Academy courses to educate and engage civic and business leaders.
John continues to lead award-winning planning and development efforts in the Memphis and Shelby County governments.
Ben continues to serve as Director of Planning for the City of Oxford.
The multi-university partnership continues to examine the urban-rural interface from Minnesota to New Orleans.
Jordan currently serves as COO of JXN Water.
Aubrey holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning, Design & Policy from Politecnico di Milano.
After leading the Memphis 3.0 planning process, Ashley continues to head up public sector community development efforts in Memphis.
Ati teaches "Digital Storytelling for Humane Urbanism," providing new tools to aspriing planners.
Young builds on an impressive career in local public service to win the Mayor's office.
Public events and studio courses focus on smart planning for rural communities that will be impacted by the large production facility.
Click "find out more" for a peek inside from the students' perpective.
It's been 50 years! It is likely that we missed something. Help us remember! Click the "learn more" button to submit other highlights, imagaes, media, etc.!
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