The Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), established in January 2010, is a campus-wide initiative advancing and disseminating state-of-the-art research. Our faculty affiliates and partners are at the forefront of efforts to understand economic development, democratic governance, cultural diversity and change, peace and diplomacy, health, education and environmental well-being. CLALS generates high quality, timely analysis on these and other issues in partnership with researchers and practitioners from AU and beyond. Learn more about us.

The research projects pursued by CLALS span various subject matter areas, including migration, the role of religion, organized crime, the environment, and more. Select initiatives are featured below. For a list of current and past research projects, check out the left-hand navigation bar, or click here for a list of current projects and here for a list of past projects.

Inclusive Communities, Welcoming Neighborhoods? Urban Planning for Latinos in Changing U.S. Cities

This fifth annual forum will convene American University faculty, together with nationally recognized scholars of urban diversity and Latino life in U.S. cities from around the country and directors of Latino-serving non-profits, to address the promise and challenges of building more inclusive cities for Latino residents. With attention to urban policy and planning in the District of Columbia, in dialogue with small and medium sized cities nationwide experiencing significant growth of their Latino populations, the Forum will assess steps now being taken and alternatives for making often rapidly changing communities and neighborhoods more welcoming to Latinos. Co-sponsors for this event include AU’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies, and the School of Public Affairs’s Metropolitan Policy Center.

RSVP here.

For the ALPAF 2019 Agenda, click here.