We are incredibly excited to announce that Serrater Chapman is joining Woodstock Institute as our new Director of Applied Research!
Serrater is an urban planner and data-driven policy analyst whose work lies at the intersection of housing, economic development, and environmental equity. She joins Woodstock from the AARP Public Policy Institute, where her in-depth research helped develop evidence-based policies supporting housing affordability, accessibility, and livability.
Our previous Research Director, Amber S. Hendley, will continue on at Woodstock as a Senior Research Fellow.
Join us in welcoming Serrater and read her full bio here:
Serrater Chapman is an experienced policy and urban planning professional specializing in housing equity, economic development, and applied research. She has a proven track record of leveraging data-driven tools to inform policy decisions and community development strategies. During her time with the AARP Public Policy Institute, Serrater contributed to in-depth research and analysis that helped develop evidence-based policies supporting housing affordability, accessibility, and livability. Notably, she was pivotal in advancing the AARP Livability Index, a key tool that evaluates community livability across areas such as housing, health, and transportation.
In her previous work, Serrater led major initiatives focusing on economic development, neighborhood stabilization, and restorative justice. Serrater has evaluated economic, statistical, and demographic data, utilized public and private financing tools, such as Tax Increment Financing, and contributed to impactful public policy initiatives. Her work has impacted fair housing policy in the Midwest, de-concentrated low-income housing vouchers in Baltimore and Minnesota, and supported the development of senior housing in suburban Chicago. Additionally, she has successfully managed federal, state, and local grant programs.
Serrater holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Finance from Roosevelt University. As a lifelong Chicago south-sider, Serrater is passionate about promoting equity and opportunity through thoughtful economic development, with a strong belief in the power of data-driven research to inform impactful policy decisions.
