The Urban Affairs Association (UAA) has appointed Kathe Newman from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Ben Gerlofs from the University of Hong Kong as the new Book Review Editors for the Journal of Urban Affairs. This decision comes after an international search and marks a new chapter for the journal, which is published by Routledge | Taylor & Francis Group under the leadership of Dr. Bernadette Hanlon from The Ohio State University.
Newman and Gerlofs succeed Dr. David Varady and Dr. Leah Holstein from the University of Cincinnati, who served in this role for over ten years. Their tenure was noted for enhancing both the content and reputation of the Book Review section, with UAA expressing gratitude for their contributions to urban scholarship.
Dr. Newman is a professor at Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, where she also directs the Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Political Science from the City University of New York's Graduate School and University Center. Her research interests cover urban change dynamics, affordable housing, governance, gentrification, and community participation among other topics.
Dr. Gerlofs serves as an Assistant Professor of Human Geography at HKU, holding multiple roles including Deputy Head of Department (for Teaching and Learning) and Director of Undergraduate Studies. His interdisciplinary research spans urban governance, social mobilization, gentrification, aesthetics politics, and nature commodification across various global cities such as Hong Kong, Mexico City, Singapore, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chicago, and New York.
Both scholars bring extensive expertise to their new editorial roles at the Journal of Urban Affairs.
