Thad Williamson, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, is a scholar, writer and policy expert focused on building a practical politics of social justice and deepened democracy in the United States. He has produced scholarly work recognized as cutting edge on three different topics—suburban sprawl, community economic development, and property-owning democracy—and a host of writings for popular publication.
His work with the City of Richmond led to the launch of the Office of Community Wealth Building (which he served as its first director) and to several related reforms, initiatives, and programs in Richmond touching education, housing, workforce development, and municipal administration. He is currently working on a project focused on Community Wealth Building as a governance and policy paradigm suitable for advancing bold progressive goals in the 21st Century.
Latest Work
On the Road to Organizational Improvement (City of Richmond) - Richmond Times-Dispatch
Top Ten Takeaways from the RVA Budget Process, So Far (with Ravi K. Perry)
Winning the '“Cold Civil War” - Democracy (with Melody C. Barnes)
A New Compact for the Fourth of July - The Hill (with Melody C. Barnes)
Review essay on Tommie Shelby’s Dark Ghettos -Boston Review
Promises to Keep - Richmond Magazine (with Adria Scharf)
Challenges of 21st Century Democracy - Richmond Times Dispatch (with Allison Archer)
Keynote Speech at University of York Conference, January 7, 2019, on
Equality and Democracy in Local & City Government: Theory and Practice
(Video Link to Keynote Speech; Audio Link)