The Ralph and Goldy Lewis Center was established to promote the study, understanding and solution of regional policy issues, with special reference to California.

It is a focus of interdisciplinary activities, involving numerous faculty members and graduate students from many schools and departments at UCLA. Our work is organized into three research initiatives on:

1. Transportation

2. Economic Development and Housing

3. The Environment.

Research projects within each initiative are led by Lewis Center Faculty Fellows, often funded by grants, and frequently involve graduate students. The Center has quickly established a significant reputation, backed by grants now totaling over $5 million.

Past and present research projects include studies on: Transportation and parking policies, Pollution prevention policies, Sustainable transportation finance, Cost-effective improvements to public transportation, Greenhouse gas reduction programs, Welfare-to-Work programs, Immigration and American cities, Non Custodial parent employment, and training Work-residence relationships in restructuring metropolitan areas Economic development strategies for local areas.  As part of our research programs and initiatives, the Lewis Center sponsors ongoing lecture/seminar series, as well as workshops and conferences focusing on California issues in our focus research areas.