Dr. Sarah Mills

Biography

Sarah Mills is an Associate Professor of Practice in Urban Regional Planning at Taubman College, University of Michigan. She is the director of the Center for Empowering Communities within the Graham Sustainability Institute. Sarah's research focuses on the intersection of energy policy and land use planning, particularly in rural communities. Her current work emphasizes the impacts of renewable energy development on rural areas, investigating the varied reactions of landowners to wind and solar projects, as well as the state and local policies that either facilitate or hinder renewable energy deployment. Sarah is involved in several DOE-funded projects designed to enhance the understanding of solar zoning ordinances and their economic impact on agricultural communities, including a nationwide survey of solar farm neighbors. She teaches courses such as URP 620 Energy Planning and URP 603 Capstone Studio, both emphasizing renewable energy in planning frameworks. Sarah holds a Doctorate in Urban Regional Planning from the University of Michigan, where her dissertation examined the interplay between farmland preservation and wind energy development. She has a Master’s degree in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. In addition to her academic role, Sarah serves on the City of Ann Arbor Planning Commission.

Research Interests

Courses