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Nader Afzalan focuses on the key question: 'Are programs, plans, and policies making a difference in the communities they aim to serve?' His work is dedicated to changing practices in urban planning, teaching, and research by combining data analytics with inclusive stakeholder engagement to tackle complex urban and regional challenges. Particular areas of focus include climate resilience, economic development, environmental justice, and urban technology. He is the founder and CEO of a firm that assists organizations in designing and implementing programs that deliver tangible benefits to communities. Over the past 20 years, Afzalan has held leadership roles across public, nonprofit, and private sectors, serving as a senior advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom to develop programs that link climate policy with economic development. Additionally, he chaired the American Planning Association’s Technology Division, where he created programs advocating for the ethical use of big data and emerging technologies in city planning. His professional work spans diverse regions including the U.S., China, Central America, and the Middle East, and he has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in leading academic journals.
University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA
Leads the BA Sustainable Environmental Design program, facilitating innovative approaches to sustainable urban environments.
The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.