This NSF CIVIC grant is dedicated to rigorous research aimed at addressing the spatial mismatch between housing affordability and job availability in US cities. It involves pioneering the development and implementation of Community Hubs for Smart Mobility (CHSM) in vulnerable neighborhoods (i.e., transportation deserts) through collaborative partnerships with civic and nonprofit organizations. This project employs a comprehensive research framework, including quantitative methods (surveys, GIS analysis, transportation modeling, and machine learning) alongside qualitative approaches (interviews, focus groups), to rigorously evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the CHSM concept. By generating valuable insights, this research contributes significantly to the fields of transportation planning, community planning, and participatory design, offering a research-driven model for tackling the nationwide job/housing mismatch issue through community-based mobility solutions.
