Founded in 1993, the Center for Sustainable Cities at the University of Kentucky was the first institution of its kind in North America, and quickly established itself as a leading source of both primary research and design and the practical proofs of sustainable principles. Urban centers around the world are direct beneficiaries of the ideas, insights and plans generated here.

Under the leadership of co-founders Richard S. Levine (Professor of Architecture) and Ernest J. Yanarella (Professor of Political Science), the first generation of UK sustainability practitioners received their training. Our efforts over the years have consistently yielded a surprising truth; that the rapid growth of cities, far from being an ecological negative, can powerfully amplify the benefits of good sustainability practices.