Rodney Harrell, PhD

Rodney Harrell, Ph.D.

Dr. Rodney Harrell is responsible for AARP's policy development on housing and related livable communities issues, managing the housing research agenda, conducting independent research, making public appearances. AARP's housing policy agenda is committed to creating a range of affordable, appropriate housing options that facilitate personal independence, allow residents to age in place, and engage them in the community's civic, economic and social life. His special areas of focus include federal, state and local strategies on housing affordability, housing accessibility, transit-oriented development, manufactured housing, community redevelopment and sustainable community initiatives.

Prior to joining AARP, he worked as a research and evaluation consultant, as a researcher and instructor for the University of Maryland, and as a Maryland Governor's Fellow covering revitalization and housing issues.

Dr. Harrell was graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the honors program at Howard University, earned dual master's degrees in Public Affairs and in Urban and Regional Planning from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University, and received a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Design from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he was a Wylie Fellow and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Areas of expertise

Housing and Livable Communities

Selected publications

Preserving Affordability and Access in Livable Communities: Subsidized Housing Opportunities Near Transit and the 50 Population   

Multigenerational Households Are Increasing

State Housing Profiles 2011