June Manning Thomas

About the Author

June Manning Thomas is a distinguished urban planning scholar and author whose work illuminates the intersections of race, policy, and city development in America. With a career spanning decades as a professor and researcher, she has delved into the historical and social dynamics shaping urban landscapes, particularly in the Midwest. Her seminal book, Redevelopment and Race: Planning a Finer City in Postwar Detroit (Great Lakes Books), offers a critical examination of how postwar urban renewal efforts in Detroit exacerbated racial inequalities while aiming for progress. Thomas's research draws on archival sources and interdisciplinary insights to advocate for equitable planning practices that address systemic injustices. A recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to urban studies, she continues to influence policy discussions on inclusive city-building through her writing and teaching.