How Stringent Are Minimum Plot Size Regulations in Sub-Saharan Africa?: Involving Undergraduates in Cutting-Edge Research

Event Description Please join us to discuss new research initiated by Urban Expansion Director Solly Angel and a group of undergraduate students from the Spring 2026 Applied Research to Solve Urban Problems course offered by the Marron Institute and Gallatin, culminating in the working paper, “How Stringent Are Minimum Plot Size Regulations in Sub-Saharan Africa?” Solly, Fellow Simon De Boeck, and Gallatin undergraduate student Ceci Rodriguez will discuss the findings, which challenge prevailing assumptions about minimum plot size regulations and demonstrate the value of evaluating planning regulations empirically against observed urban development. We will also discuss the research process for obtaining these results and all the stakeholders involved in making this research possible. Schedule 9:15-9:30 Light breakfast 9:30-9:35 Welcome: Interim Director Kari Kohn 9:35-9:40 Course and research background: Health, Environment and Policy Director Kevin Cromar 9:40-10:00 Presentation: Urban Expansion Director Solly Angel, Marron Fellow Simon De Boeck, and NYU undergraduate student Ceci Rodriguez 10:00-10:15 Q&A 10:15-10:30 Networking About the NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management The NYU Marron Institute conducts innovative applied research, working with cities to take on critical challenges of urban living. Started with a generous gift from Donald B. Marron, faculty members develop their programs, hire research staff and build portfolios of externally-funded projects that have the potential to improve outcomes in cities. Currently, the Marron Institute has six major research programs focused on urban planning, environmental health, civic analytics, transportation and land use, human trafficking, and public sector performance and innovation. Globally, cities are home to more than half of the world’s population—4 billion people and growing. Though the researchers and faculty members at the Marron Institute do publish and teach on occasion, their chief focus is the pursuit of sponsored research that will extend the impact of the Institute’s founding gift and have a positive and measurable impact on life in cities the world over. ​Visitor Information This event will be hosted in LC 400, located on the 4th Floor of 5 MetroTech in downtown Brooklyn, easily accessible from Jay St-MetroTech subway station. Advance registration through Luma is required for building access. ​External (non-NYU) guests Attendees who are not current students, faculty, or staff at NYU, including alumni, are asked to register using a personal email address. Please ensure the registered name matches a government-issued photo ID as you may be asked to present it upon entry.