Education

• Ph.D. 1997 University of California, Los Angeles, Urban Planning
• M.P.A. 1998 San Francisco State University, Public Administration
• B.A. 1985, University of Oregon, Sociology

Courses Taught

• URBS 150 – The Urban Scene
• URBS 310 - Growth and Development of Cities
• URBS 408 -  Policy Making for Urban Planners
• URBS 412 – Grant Writing
• URBS 435 – Community Development

Selected Publications and Presentations

Thomas, Ward. (2008) . “Do Environmental Regulations Impede Economic Growth? A Case Study of the Metal Finishing Industry in the South Coast Basin of Southern California.” The Economic Development Quarterly (under review).

Thomas, Ward. (2008). “Can We Breathe and Be Economically Competitive? Air Quality Regulations and Economic Growth in the Metal Finishing Industry in Los Angeles.” Center for Southern California Studies, California State University, Northridge, Working Paper.

Thomas, Ward. (2007). “Environmental Regulations and the Diffusion of Clean Technologies in the Dry Cleaning Industry.” Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, Vol. 10 (2), pp. 154 – 184.

Thomas, Ward and Paul Ong. (2006). “Race and Space: Hiring Practices of Los Angeles Electronic Firms.” The Journal of Urban Affairs. Vol. 28 (5), 511-526.

Thomas, Ward and Paul Ong. (2004). “Environmental Regulations and Industrial Competitiveness: An Analysis of Air Pollution Control Regulations on the Wood Furniture Industry in Southern California.” The Economic Development Quarterly. Vol. 18 (3), 220-235.

Thomas, Ward. (2003). “The Meaning of Race to Employers: A Dynamic Qualitative Perspective.” The Sociological Quarterly. Vol. 44 (2), 227-242.

Becerra, Rosina, Ward Thomas and Paul Ong. (2002). “Latino and African American Non- Custodial Fathers: Perceptions of Fatherhood and Child Support.” Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work. Vol. 10 (3), 3-30.

Research and Interests

Dr. Thomas is currently studying the relationship between U.S. environmental policy and sustainable economic development.  He has recently undertaken a series of case studies of polluting industries in Southern California that are heavily regulated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, including dry cleaning, wood furniture, and metal finishing.  His research examines the effects of air quality regulations on the growth of these industries, the industrial location decisions of firms, and the diffusion of “green” technologies.  In addition, Dr. Thomas is completing research on the role of Korean immigrant entrepreneurs in communities in Los Angeles.

SPECIALTY AREAS:

Economic Development
Public Policy Analysis
Environmental Planning

PROFESSIONAL/COMMUNITY  WORK EXPERIENCE

Director of International Special Programs, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, CSUN.  Work with CSBS Dean’s Office to advance technical-scientific partnerships with Brazilian higher education institutions, professional organizations, and local, state and federal government agencies.  Current offers include graduate programs and workshops in political sciences, urban planning, and public administration.  Also coordinating a FIPSE 4-year grant proposal that will allow URBS (1) to host Brazilian students, and (2) to send students to study in Brazilian universities.

Community Development Specialist - Joined  the Association of Salvadorans of Los Angeles (ASOSAL) in two fronts (1) the Salvadoran reconstruction project in response to the two 2001 earthquakes, and (2) the development of community programs for the Westlake inner city area of  Los Angeles.

Sustainable City Task Force (SCTF) member – Santa Monica, CA.   The SCTF served as an advisor body for the city council and developed strategies for the implementation of the city’s 10-years old Sustainable City Plan (SCP).  Worked along with Board of Directors of Santa Monica Community College to support SCP citywide and implement sustainability practices throughout campus.

Project Management, Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles” (LACDC).  Economic Redevelopment Division.  Responsible for various specialized tasks supporting the success of the Willowbrook Community Redevelopment Project (WCRP) including the development of a hundred thousand square-feet, leading edge eye care center facility, and 36-unit affordable housing project.

Independent Consultant, conduct private and public sector research on the Southern California real estate appraisal and project feasibility studies.  The assignments included commercial, industrial, residential and special use properties encompassing both existing and planned developments.  Public sector clients included LA-MTA, CRA-LA, and LACDC.