Dr. Edward Blakely

Biography

Edward Blakely was a respected scholar in economic development and social-policy planning, known for his contributions to post-disaster urban policy. He joined the faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1974, where he served as chair of the Department of City & Regional Planning from 1986 until his retirement in 1994. Blakely held esteemed positions as dean at both the University of Southern California and the New School University, and he was a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Sydney. His work focused heavily on social justice and disaster recovery, leading him to advise various governments on urban policy, particularly in the wake of natural disasters. Blakely authored several books, including "Fortress America" and "Planning Local Economic Development," and served as an executive director in recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He was acknowledged by UN-Habitat for his advocacy on social justice in post-disaster contexts and later chaired the advisory board of the University of California Disaster Resilience Network. Blakely's legacy includes significant contributions to urban planning and education, inspiring countless students and professionals throughout his career. He remained active in academic circles, contributing to lectures and reconnecting with faculty and students even in his later years.

Research Interests