Publications and Research (aka What has he written?)

Publications & Research

Highlights from an archive of scholarly work, policy analysis, and community-building frameworks.

Academic & Peer-Reviewed Research

What is Livable? Community Preferences of Older Adults

Harrell, R., Lynott, J., Guzman, S., & Lampkin, C. L. (2014). AARP Public Policy Institute.

Understanding Modern Segregation: Suburbanization and the Black Middle Class

Harrell, R. (2008). University of Maryland, PhD Dissertation.

From Renting to Homeownership: Using Tax Incentives to Create Affordable Housing

Covington, K., & Harrell, R. (2007). Harvard Journal of Legislation.

Healthy Urban Design and its Health Benefits for Communities

Sykes, K.E., Neal, M.B., Crittenden, J., & Harrell, R. (2011).

Which Older Adults Have Access to America’s Most Livable Neighborhoods?

Molinsky, J., Airgood-Obrycki, W., Harrell, R., & Guzman, S. (2020). Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

AARP Public Policy Institute Reports

  • Progress in Creating Livable Communities for People of All Ages (February 2026)
  • Aging Well in America: AARP’s Vision for a National Plan on Aging (2024)
  • Advancing Action: A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports (Reinhard et al., 2020/2023)
  • The State Housing Profiles Project: Housing Conditions and Affordability (Multi-Year Series)
  • Is This a Good Place to Live? Measuring Community Quality of Life for All Ages (2014)
  • Preserving Affordability and Access: Subsidized Housing Near Transit (2011)

Policy Toolkits & Industry Guides

Home Modifications to Promote Independent Living
Universal Design: Strategies for Implementation
The Village Model: Aging in Place Solutions
Housing Trust Funds for Local Affordability
Weatherization and Energy Efficiency for Older Homeowners
Meeting Housing Needs: Online Toolkit for Local Officials