Kenan Institue: Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise Shaping Leaders, Driving Results

Urban Investment Strategies Center

Transforming Urban Education

Center director Jim Johnson’s vision and research creates a model school for educating inner-city children.  More

Revealing Census Trends

Researchers identify six demographic trends that will transform the United States.  More

Developing Market-based Cures for Social Ills

A social venture model creates an economic driver while tackling the problem of elderly fall-related injuries.  More

Creating Pathways to Prosperity

The Urban Investment Investment Strategies Center leads the way in learning how to turn distressed communities into globally competitive ones and preparing students in inner cities and beyond for success in a globally connected world.

The center's research and analysis helps community leaders understand the critical factors that will shape their future. Its initiatives translate that knowledge into model projects others can replicate to become competitive and prosperous.

“University of North Carolina professor Jim Johnson teaches business-school students, but his real mission is to build bridges.”

Chuck Salter
“Hope and Dreams”
Fast Company

Assessing Cherokee Casino Impact

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in western North Carolina contributes more than $380 million to the local economy and has brought significant economic and social benefit to one of the state’s traditionally depressed regions.

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