Ward Thomas Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office: ST 202
Phone: (818) 677-7243
Fax: (818) 677-5850
E-mail: thomas@csun.edu
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
Specialty Areas
Economic Development
Public Policy Analysis
Environmental Planning
Courses
URBS 150 – The Urban Scene
URBS 412 – Grant Writing
URBS 435 – Community Development
Publications and Presentations
Thomas, Ward. (2007). “Environmental Regulations and the Diffusion of Clean Technologies:
Dry Cleaners’ Use of Perchloroethylene in the South Coast Basin of California. Center for
Southern California Studies, California State University, Northridge. Working Paper.
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 Interests
My current research interests are focused on the connection between economic development,
environmental planning, and communities. I recently published a paper investigating the effects
of air pollution regulations on the wood furniture industry in Los Angeles. I am currently
completing research on the effects of environmental regulations on the dry cleaning industry in
the South Coast Basin of California. In addition, I am conducting research on the role that
Korean immigrant entrepreneurs play in the development of communities in Los Angeles.