Inclusive Immigration and Democratic Revival in a Rust Belt City
How new communities can strengthen cities and civic life
This research project explores how immigration shapes the future of cities like Buffalo. Funded by the Mellon Foundation and lead by core PPE faculty Alex Oprea, the project looks at how new residents contribute to civic life, community growth and democratic renewal.
It focuses on a central question: how can communities grow stronger by welcoming new people and new perspectives?
Cities across the United States face challenges such as economic change, political division and shifting populations. This project examines how immigrants and refugees may play a role in helping cities adapt and move forward.
The goal is not just to study these changes, but to understand what works. Researchers look for practical ways communities can support participation, connection and long-term stability.
This work is guided by questions such as:
- How can immigration contribute to civic renewal in cities facing economic challenges?
- What local practices help people feel connected and involved in community life?
- How can communities build trust across different backgrounds and experiences?
These questions connect directly to real-world challenges in cities like Buffalo and beyond.
This project is grounded in direct engagement with the community. Researchers work with local partners to understand how people experience civic life and where opportunities for improvement exist.
Work takes place in spaces such as:
- museums and cultural institutions
- local markets and community gathering spaces
- nonprofit and civic organizations
Through dialogue and collaboration, the project highlights practices that support stronger, more connected communities.
A key goal of this project is to move ideas beyond the classroom and into practice.
Outcomes include:
- academic articles that contribute to broader research conversations
- workshops focused on democracy, civic participation and community life
- community-based initiatives that apply research insights locally
By sharing findings with both scholars and community leaders, the project helps translate research into action.
Understanding how communities grow and adapt is essential for the future of cities like Buffalo. This research shows how new perspectives, experiences and connections can help strengthen civic life.
It also reflects the broader PPE approach, combining ideas from philosophy, politics and economics to better understand complex social systems.
Interested in how research connects to real communities and real change? PPE at UB gives you the tools to explore these questions and be part of the conversation.
For more information about this project and related activities:
