Sarah Mills

Sarah Mills is an associate professor of practice in the Urban & Regional Planning Program in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, as well as the director of the Center for EmPowering Communities at UM’s Graham Sustainability Institute. She conducts research and teaching at the intersection of energy policy and land use planning–especially in rural communities. Her current work focuses on how renewable energy development impacts rural communities (positively and negatively), the disparate reactions of rural landowners to wind and solar projects, and how state and local policies facilitate or hinder renewable energy deployment. In her role with the Center for EmPowering Communities, Sarah manages UM’s partnership with the Michigan Office of Climate and Energy, helping communities across the state leverage decarbonization opportunities to advance their community goal and enhance quality of life. Sarah’s team provides resources, technical support, and education opportunities that help local governments across the state advance their community goals. They also draw upon collaborations with practitioners and academics nationwide to inform policy, community engagement practices, and renewable energy project design.