The Population Dynamics Research Group studies the structure and trends of the population of the Los Angeles region and California as a whole to bring a population-centered perspective to planning and policymaking. Specific research areas include immigration, changes in ethnic and racial composition, tobacco use and health, education, housing, transportation, census data and alternative planning forecasts.

The Civic Engagement Initiative has developed a network of scholars from SPPD, other USC schools, and major international research universities. The initiative seeks to offer new ways of thinking about participatory democracy and governance, and to partner with civic leaders to create exemplars of how this works in neighborhoods and public institutions.