JOURNAL OF URBAN AFFAIRS

Scope & Guideline

Connecting scholars to the pulse of urban affairs.

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of JOURNAL OF URBAN AFFAIRS with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0735-2166
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1979 to 2024
AbbreviationJ URBAN AFF / J. Urban Aff.
Frequency8 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Urban Affairs serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research that critically examines urban issues, policies, and practices across various global contexts. The journal focuses on the interplay between social, economic, and political factors that shape urban life, emphasizing equity, sustainability, and community engagement.
  1. Urban Governance and Policy Analysis:
    The journal focuses on the analysis of governance structures and policy frameworks impacting urban areas, exploring how decisions are made and who is included or excluded in these processes.
  2. Social Justice and Equity in Urban Settings:
    A core aim is to investigate issues of social justice and equity, particularly how urban policies affect marginalized communities, housing access, and public services.
  3. Community Engagement and Participatory Practices:
    Research often highlights the importance of community involvement in urban planning and development, advocating for participatory approaches that empower local populations.
  4. Cultural Dynamics and Urban Identity:
    The journal explores the cultural dimensions of urban life, including how identity, heritage, and community narratives shape and are shaped by urban environments.
  5. Sustainability and Climate Resilience:
    A significant focus is placed on sustainability practices within urban contexts, examining how cities can adapt to climate change and promote environmental justice.
  6. Global Urbanization Trends:
    The journal addresses the complexities of urbanization in a global context, considering how different regions experience and respond to urban growth and challenges.
The Journal of Urban Affairs has been responsive to contemporary urban challenges, with several themes emerging as increasingly significant in recent publications. These trends reflect the evolving landscape of urban studies and the pressing issues facing cities today.
  1. Intersectionality in Urban Research:
    There is a growing trend toward incorporating intersectional perspectives in urban studies, examining how overlapping social identities impact experiences of urban life and governance.
  2. Resilience and Adaptation Strategies:
    Emerging research emphasizes urban resilience, particularly in relation to climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness, highlighting how cities can better respond to environmental challenges.
  3. Digital Technologies and Smart Cities:
    The integration of digital technologies in urban management and planning is a rapidly growing area, exploring how smart city initiatives can improve urban living while raising concerns about privacy and equity.
  4. Health and Urban Well-being:
    An increasing focus on the relationship between urban environments and public health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to research on how urban design can promote health and well-being.
  5. Gentrification and Displacement:
    Research on gentrification and its impact on urban communities continues to gain traction, with a focus on the socio-economic implications and community resistance to displacement.
  6. Cultural and Creative Economies:
    The role of culture and creativity in urban development is an emerging theme, examining how cultural policies can foster community engagement and economic revitalization.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Urban Affairs has a broad and dynamic focus, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent years. These waning areas reflect shifts in research priorities and emerging urban challenges.
  1. Traditional Urban Planning Approaches:
    There appears to be a diminishing emphasis on conventional urban planning methodologies, as the discourse increasingly favors innovative, participatory, and adaptive strategies.
  2. Single-Dimensional Housing Policies:
    Research that solely focuses on housing supply without considering broader socio-economic contexts and community impacts is becoming less prevalent, with a shift towards more integrated approaches.
  3. Economic Growth as an Urban Goal:
    The singular focus on economic growth as a primary urban objective is receding, as more scholars advocate for balanced approaches that prioritize social equity and sustainability.
  4. Top-Down Urban Development Strategies:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies advocating for top-down approaches to urban development, as the emphasis shifts towards grassroots movements and community-led initiatives.
  5. Niche Urban Studies:
    Research limited to niche urban studies without broader implications for policy or practice is less favored, as the journal seeks contributions that resonate with wider urban issues.

Similar Journals

EUROPEAN URBAN AND REGIONAL STUDIES

Cultivating Knowledge for Tomorrow's Urban Landscapes
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0969-7764Frequency: 4 issues/year

EUROPEAN URBAN AND REGIONAL STUDIES is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of urban and regional studies, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, a distinguished publisher renowned for its contributions to scholarly communications. Established in 1994 and running through 2024, this journal provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary research that addresses the complexities of urban environments and regional developments across Europe and beyond. It holds impressive distinctions, ranking in the Q1 category for both Environmental Science and Urban Studies in 2023, reflecting its strong impact and influence—ranked #31 out of 279 and #42 out of 219 in Scopus, respectively. Scholars and practitioners seeking to contribute to or stay informed on trends in sustainable urban development, policy-making, and regional planning will find this journal indispensable. Its contributions not only shed light on pressing urban issues but also cultivate a dialogue that bridges theory and practice. Enhance your understanding of contemporary urban challenges by engaging with the rich tapestry of research published in this esteemed journal.

City & Community

Bridging Theory and Practice in Urban Environments
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1535-6841Frequency: 4 issues/year

City & Community, published by WILEY, is a leading journal dedicated to the field of Urban Studies, showcasing innovative research and critical insights since its inception in 2008. With an impressive Scopus ranking of #46 out of 279 in its category, placing it in the 83rd percentile, this journal provides a premier platform for academic discourse surrounding urban life, community dynamics, and social issues in metropolitan contexts. Currently holding a prestigious Q1 quartile ranking, City & Community is vital for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to understand and influence the urban environments of today and the future. Although it does not offer Open Access, the journal remains accessible through various institutional subscriptions, making its rich repository of articles a crucial resource for advancing knowledge in urban studies and contributing to informed policy and practice.

Bitacora Urbano Territorial

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue in Urban Studies and Beyond
Publisher: UNIV NACL COLOMBIAISSN: 0124-7913Frequency: 2 issues/year

Bitacora Urbano Territorial is an esteemed open-access journal published by Universidad Nacional de Colombia, dedicated to advancing research in the intricate fields of urban studies, geography, and the arts and humanities. Since its inception in 2009, this journal has become a vital platform for academics, practitioners, and students alike in analyzing and addressing the multifaceted dimensions of urbanization, spatial planning, and territorial development. With an evolving focus and a commitment to fostering scholarly dialogue, Bitacora Urbano Territorial proudly holds a Q2 ranking in Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Q3 rankings in both Geography, Planning and Development and Urban Studies, reflecting its growing impact within the academic community. The journal welcomes contributions that explore innovative research, case studies, and theoretical advancements, providing a comprehensive reflection of urban transformations in Latin America and beyond. Emphasizing accessibility, the journal has embraced an open access model since 2016, ensuring that critical knowledge is disseminated widely to enhance understanding and promote collaboration across disciplines.

Urbano

Connecting Ideas for Sustainable Urban Development
Publisher: UNIV BIO-BIO, DEPT PLANIFICACION & DISENOISSN: 0717-3997Frequency: 2 issues/year

Urbano is a distinguished academic journal published by UNIV BIO-BIO, DEPT PLANIFICACION & DISENO in Chile, specializing in Urban Studies. With the ISSN 0717-3997 and E-ISSN 0718-3607, it has been committed to open-access publishing since 2000, aiming to disseminate vital research and insights that contribute to the dynamic field of urban planning and design. The journal's impressive trajectory includes acceptance into Scopus, featuring a 2023 ranking of #162 out of 279 in the Urban Studies category, placing it in the 42nd percentile. Urbano serves as a platform for innovative ideas and interdisciplinary approaches, inviting researchers, practitioners, and students to engage with high-quality content from 2016 to 2024. By addressing contemporary urban challenges, it not only enriches academic discourse but also actively supports the development of sustainable urban environments across Latin America and beyond.

JOURNAL OF URBAN ECONOMICS

Transforming Urban Policy Through Rigorous Economic Research
Publisher: ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCEISSN: 0094-1190Frequency: 6 issues/year

JOURNAL OF URBAN ECONOMICS, published by Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, stands as a leading academic publication within the fields of Economics and Urban Studies, boasting an impressive impact factor indicative of its relevance and authority. This esteemed journal, accessible through traditional subscription channels, has been pivotal since its inception in 1974, offering a platform for comprehensive research that integrates economic theory with urban policy analysis. With a distinguished ranking of Q1 in both its categories for 2023, it ranks in the top 96th percentile for Urban Studies and the top 93rd percentile for Economics and Econometrics in Scopus, underscoring its significance and impact within the academic community. As the urban landscape continues to evolve, the JOURNAL OF URBAN ECONOMICS remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to explore the intersections of urban development, economic behavior, and policy effectiveness.

Territoire en Mouvement

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Territorial Discourse
Publisher: UNIV LILLE I SCI & TECHISSN: 1954-4863Frequency: 4 issues/year

Territoire en Mouvement is an esteemed Open Access journal, published by UNIV LILLE I SCI & TECH in France, focusing on critical themes within the fields of Geography, Planning, and Urban Studies. With an ISSN of 1954-4863 and an E-ISSN of 1950-5698, this journal promotes cutting-edge research and scholarship, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and inquiry. Since its transition to open access in 2014, it has broadened its reach, allowing scholars across the globe to engage with its published works. While currently categorized in the Q4 quartile for both Geography, Planning and Development and Urban Studies categories as of 2023, it plays a vital role in shaping discourse within urban environments and spatial dynamics. Though the HIndex is unlisted, the journal continues to serve as a platform for emerging ideas and innovative solutions, lending invaluable insights to researchers, professionals, and students interested in the challenges and opportunities present in contemporary territorial studies. Based in Villeneuve d'Ascq, the journal remains dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of spatial transformations and the socio-economic factors influencing them.

European Spatial Research and Policy

Empowering Researchers and Policymakers with Open Access Knowledge
Publisher: LODZ UNIV PRESSISSN: 1231-1952Frequency: 2 issues/year

European Spatial Research and Policy, published by LODZ UNIV PRESS, is a distinguished Open Access academic journal that has been contributing to the field of Geography, Planning, and Development since its inception in 2009. With an ISSN of 1231-1952 and an E-ISSN of 1896-1525, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers and policymakers in understanding spatial dynamics and policy implications across Europe. Recognized within the 2023 Q2 category for Geography, Planning, and Development, it ranks impressively #236 out of 821 in its category on Scopus, placing it in the 71st percentile. The journal’s aim is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and disseminate innovative research that addresses pressing spatial challenges. Since transitioning to Open Access in 2013, it has enhanced accessibility for scholars, making its rich content readily available to a global audience. Located in Lodz, Poland, European Spatial Research and Policy is poised to continue its commitment to excellence in spatial research, offering critical insights for academics, professionals, and students alike.

Urban Forum

Connecting Scholars to Transform Urban Landscapes
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 1015-3802Frequency: 4 issues/year

Urban Forum is a prestigious academic journal published by SPRINGERNATURE that has been a key contributor to the fields of Urban Studies and Geography, Planning and Development since its inception in 1990. With a significant impact factor reflective of its rigorous peer-reviewed research, the journal is currently ranked in the Q2 category, demonstrating its influence and importance in advancing knowledge within these domains. Based in the Netherlands, Urban Forum provides a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore critical urban issues, foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and disseminate innovative studies that shape urban policy and planning practices. Although the journal is not open access, it remains accessible through various academic databases, ensuring a wide reach within the scholarly community. Engaging with Urban Forum means being at the forefront of contemporary urban research, making it an essential resource for anyone dedicated to understanding and enhancing urban living and planning.

Urban Policy and Research

Empowering Scholars to Transform Urban Policy Landscapes
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0811-1146Frequency: 4 issues/year

Urban Policy and Research is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing the fields of urban studies and geography, planning, and development. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, the journal has been a vital resource since its inception in 1982 and continues to shape scholarly discourse up to 2024. With an impressive 2023 Scopus ranking that places it in the 70th percentile for Urban Studies and 63rd percentile for Geography, Planning and Development, it reflects a strong commitment to rigorous research and innovative insights. Although not an open-access journal, it provides valuable access options to support the dissemination of knowledge among researchers, professionals, and students. By engaging with a diverse range of topics, Urban Policy and Research serves as an essential platform for exploring contemporary urban challenges and fostering informed policymaking in an evolving global landscape.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL RESEARCH

Illuminating the Future of Urban Environments
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0309-1317Frequency: 6 issues/year

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL RESEARCH, published by Wiley, serves as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners in the fields of Urban Studies, Sociology, and Political Science. Established in 1977, this esteemed journal has consistently maintained its reputation as a leader in urban and regional research, boasting impressive impact factor metrics and ranking in the top quartile (Q1) across various categories, including Development and Sociology. With a robust Scopus ranking, where it stands at #25 in Urban Studies and #36 in Development, the journal is recognized for its high-quality, innovative research that contributes to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and dynamics faced by urban environments. Although the journal does not currently offer open access, its diverse and rich content remains accessible to an international audience dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue in urban development. Geographically rooted in the United Kingdom, the journal continues its mission to influence both academic and policy-making spheres worldwide, making it an indispensable resource for researchers and professionals alike.