Area Resources

The College Park location provides access to the rich assortment of national and international organizations in Washington D.C. Examples of U.S. governmental offices at the national level include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the National Main Street Program. Examples of international agencies that provide students with research materials and access to professionals in the field of international development include the World Bank and the Agency for International Development. Washington, D.C. is home to the headquarters of many non-profits, community based organizations, and private consulting firms.

Baltimore provides Ph.D. students with proximity to a major historic industrial U.S. city. Baltimore is nationally recognized for its innovation and success in moving the local economy from a manufacturing base to a service oriented economy. Baltimore is also home to many state agencies responsible for statewide planning efforts, such as the Maryland Department of Planning and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Annapolis, the State of Maryland capital, offers a resource advantage because of its historic downtown and its leadership in State-based "Smart Growth" planning efforts.