RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Dr. Janet Smith was Professor in the Department of Planning and Policy in University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, and co-director ofthe Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement (Voorhees Center).
WHEREAS, Dr. Janet Smith received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before earning a Ph.D. at Cleveland State University.
WHEREAS, As an expert in local and national housing planning and policy, and with a focus on equity and social justice, Dr. Smith is known for her astute analysis - and fierce critique - ofthe political economy of housing production in the United States.
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith's research and practice epitomized one of the hallmarks of UlC's mission: "To create knowledge that transforms our views ofthe world and, through sharing and application, transforms the world."
WHEREAS, under her capacity as co-Director of UlC's Voorhees Center, Dr. Janet Smith has worked with numerous community organizations to assess housing and health outcomes; assisted in expanding housing opportunities for people with disabilities; and implemented community-driven strategies to preserve affordable housing in Chicago and throughout the nation.
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith's co-authored books include "Where are Poor People to Live? Transforming Public Housing Communities" and "Claiming Neighborhood: New Ways of Understanding Urban Change" are providing planning students and colleagues policy and theoretical foundations to use in their work as to advocate for the poor and disenfranchised.
WHEREAS, Dr. Janet Smith was a relentless advocate for justice and fairness, with deep knowledge of community development and affordable housing. Her passion and conviction for the protection ofthe rights ofthe disenfranchised was unparalleled; she was a shining example to her colleagues, and an incredible resource to those she worked with. Her energy, enthusiasm, ...
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