About Dan Trudeau

Core Themes & Impact

The Politics of Belonging

My scholarship focuses on neighborhood and district-based urban development initiatives. I am particularly interested in the intersection of urban design and the politics of belonging. My research critically examines how the built environment – from the layout of neighborhoods implementing New Urbanism design principles to the management of city parks – shapes who is welcomed into or excluded from our communities.

Recent and upcoming project highlights include:

• After New Urbanism: A forthcoming book with Susan Moore (2026) exploring the global evolution and implementation of the New Urbanism planning movement.

• Signs of Belonging: Researching how public art and signage in city parks can foster a sense of welcome for diverse communities.

• Experiential Learning: Gleanings from the Field (2025), a volume exploring how community-engaged research helps students solve “wicked problems” like food insecurity.

Teaching & Mentorship

In the classroom, I prioritize active learning and specialize in community-engaged scholarship. I believe in the power of "learning by doing" and facilitate this through fieldwork-based research and projects that partner with community organizations to solve real-world problems.

I frequently collaborate with students by:

• Publishing original research in peer-reviewed journals.

• Disseminating findings through digital platforms like A Field Guide for Public Spaces.

• Developing reports, tools, and applications for community organizations to connect empirical research with lived experience.

I have mentored dozens of honors students navigating original geographic inquiries. My work in this area has received national recognition, including being named a finalist for the Thomas Ehrlich Civically-Engaged Faculty Award by Campus Compact.

Public Scholarship & Service

I am a firm believer that research should serve the public good. As a public scholar, I translate academic findings into actionable insights through public-facing outlets such as The Conversation and guest editorials in newspapers.

Beyond the classroom, I serve on the Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee. I have also contributed to award-winning initiatives, such as the Innovation in Equity Award presented to Ramsey County Parks & Recreation. My goal is to ensure that urban development and public space management prioritize inclusivity and equity for all residents.