Sara McTarnaghan

Sara McTarnaghan is a Principal Research Associate at the Urban Institute, where she co-leads the Climate and Communities Practice Area within the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center.12 Her work focuses on the intersection of climate change, disasters, and community resilience.1

Research Focus

McTarnaghan's research primarily addresses:

• Climate change impacts on communities
• Disaster preparedness and recovery
• Community resilience strategies
• Housing policy and urban development

She collaborates with policymakers, city planners, and community leaders to understand how decisions shape a community's climate risk and to identify strategies for equitable adaptation to an uncertain future.1

Expertise and Impact

McTarnaghan has contributed to several significant projects at the Urban Institute, including:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of resilience interventions, such as the 100 Resilient Cities initiative
• Assessing the US Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery program
• Partnering with frontline communities affected by climate change, including work in the Gulf Coast and Colorado1

Her research aims to ensure that climate investments are effective, equitably distributed, and reach the communities most in need.1

Professional Background

Prior to her current role, McTarnaghan held the position of Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute.3 She has been cited in numerous scholarly works related to urban planning and climate change5, indicating her significant contributions to these fields.

McTarnaghan's LinkedIn profile (username: saramctarnaghan) provides updates on her work and insights into housing and climate-related issues.4 Her expertise makes her a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and address the complex challenges at the intersection of climate change, urban development, and community resilience.