Chapman University has relocated its Center for Demographics and Policy, a move designed to create a focused hub for research on housing, real estate, and economic trends. The Center will now operate within the George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics and the Alexander E. Hayden School of Real Estate.
This strategic realignment aims to better integrate the Center's demographic research with the practical economic and real estate challenges facing communities, particularly in Southern California. The move is expected to enhance collaboration among faculty, provide students with new research opportunities, and strengthen the university's ability to address pressing issues like housing affordability.
Key Takeaways
- Chapman University's Center for Demographics and Policy has moved from the School of Communication to the Argyros College of Business and Economics.
- The transition creates a new hub focused on housing, real estate, regulation, and economic analysis.
- Leadership believes the move will foster greater collaboration and provide the Center with enhanced support for fundraising and development.
- The Center will play a key role in an upcoming event on housing affordability, highlighting its new strategic focus.
A Strategic Realignment for Greater Impact
Chapman University announced on November 7, 2025, that its Center for Demographics and Policy will now be housed within the university's business and real estate schools. Previously part of the School of Communication, the Center's transition is intended to more closely align its work with disciplines that directly address market forces and community development.
The move places the Center at the intersection of demographic analysis and economic application. Officials stated the goal is to build a stronger connection between the study of population trends—such as aging, migration, and fertility rates—and their real-world consequences on housing markets and economic mobility.
Tom Turk, dean of the Argyros College of Business and Economics, noted the value the Center brings to the college's mission.
"The Center for Demographics and Policy brings a unique and timely perspective to the Argyros College. Its work on population trends, housing, and economic mobility directly supports our commitment to preparing students to understand and navigate the forces shaping today’s economy."
By integrating the Center into its new home, the university aims to produce more comprehensive research that can inform both public policy and private sector strategies.
Fostering Collaboration on Critical Issues
The primary driver behind the move is to foster deeper collaboration. The Center's research on the future of the middle class and the challenges of achieving the American Dream are intrinsically linked to real estate and housing, core areas of focus for the Hayden School of Real Estate.
Joel Kotkin, who serves as a Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures and program director of the Center, described the new arrangement as an ideal fit.
"The business school, and in particular the Hayden School of Real Estate program, is an ideal fit for the Center as we focus on issues such as housing, regulation and economic environment, all of concern to our business community, students and faculty," Kotkin said.
This synergy is expected to lead to joint research projects, shared resources, and a more holistic approach to studying the complex relationship between population shifts and economic outcomes.
What is the Center for Demographics and Policy?
Founded to analyze and interpret key demographic trends shaping society, the Center focuses on research exploring the relationship between population patterns and social, political, and economic change. Recent shifts, including rapid aging, declining fertility, and large-scale migration, have intensified the Center’s focus on understanding and forecasting the long-term implications of these changes for communities and economies.
New Opportunities for Research and Students
Beyond academic collaboration, the relocation provides the Center with significant institutional support. Being part of the Argyros College gives the Center access to more robust resources for communications, fundraising, and development, which can expand its outreach and ability to secure donor engagement.
Students are also poised to benefit directly from this transition. The Center provides opportunities for Chapman students to participate in high-level research alongside senior staff and faculty mentors. This hands-on experience allows them to develop critical skills in:
- Data analysis
- Policy research
- Applied demographics
These skills are transferable across a wide range of careers in business, social sciences, and the arts. Through the Center’s advisory board, students can also connect with distinguished Chapman faculty and leading demographic scholars from around the world, creating valuable networking opportunities.
Student Engagement
Students working with the Center gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in market analysis, urban planning, policy advising, and business strategy. The new alignment with the business school is expected to create even more internship and career pathways.
Addressing Southern California's Housing Crisis
The Center is immediately putting its new collaborative focus into action. It will take a leading role in the upcoming event, "Housing Affordability: Challenges & Solutions," scheduled for December 7 at UCI Research Park. This forum will bring together academic experts, local advocates, and housing leaders to discuss one of the region's most urgent issues.
Joel Kotkin and Research Fellow Marshall Toplansky will represent the Center, joining other Chapman representatives to examine the region’s growing housing challenges. The event reflects the university's commitment to using its academic resources to find data-driven, real-world solutions for complex social and economic problems.
By hosting this discussion, the Center demonstrates its renewed commitment to producing research that not only explains demographic trends but also informs public policy and promotes pathways to prosperity for the community it serves.
