The Gentrification and Urban Displacement Lab (GUDL) at Boston University’s Initiative on Cities brings together researchers, policy-makers, practitioners, and advocates committed to understanding and addressing the forces of gentrification and displacement.

Through cross-sector collaboration, GUDL develops evidence-based strategies and policies to prevent displacement and promote equitable urban development. The Lab convenes diverse partners – from local communities to global networks – to share insights, co-create solutions, and seed fund projects that combine academic research, grassroots expertise, and policy innovation for measurable impact in cities.

Learn More About GUDL

Seed Funding Opportunity: Pilot Partnerships in Massachusetts

GUDL launched a special, time-limited pilot program to support the development of partnerships addressing gentrification and displacement in Massachusetts in Spring 2026. Applications for the pilot partnership seed funding opportunity have now closed, and we are in the process of awarding collaborative projects.

This pilot aims to foster new, cross-sector partnerships that bridge local knowledge, research, and policy to develop practical, community-driven solutions. Applicants could request to partner with, for example, advocates working on anti-displacement strategies, policymakers implementing anti-displacement policies, or researchers to conduct data analysis or to establish research-practice partnerships.

Eligible Expenses: Collaborators can apply for grants to cover the following types of collaborations:

  • Compensation for time spent collecting or analyzing data, synthesizing best practices, and conducting policy analysis. Note: We expect budgets to reflect partners’ shared contributions. Faculty may request limited support for their time, with the remaining funds directed toward collaboration and partner activities.
  • Expenses related to data collection (e.g., purchase of datasets; student research assistants; transcription services; etc.)
  • Meeting-related expenses, such as materials, space, or refreshments, for gatherings that bring together stakeholders to share best practices and learn from one another
  • Travel necessary for collaboration across regions or organizations
  • Other materials or supplies needed to carry out collaborative activities

Please contact IOC Executive Director Stacy Fox at sfox@bu.edu with any questions.

Awarded Pilot Partnership Seed Grants