Brian An

Assistant Professor, Director of MSPP Program, Co-Director of Center for Urban Research

Member Of:
  • Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy
Email Address: yan74@gatech.edu

Overview

Brian An is an assistant professor, director of the Master of Science in Public Policy program, and co-director of the Center for Urban Research. His research examines how institutional and policy design affects management processes and policy outcomes at all levels, from local and regional organizations to national governments across the globe. His policy research area spans urban and housing, energy and environment, and public finance. 

An has consulted or worked for international and U.S. organizations, including the United Nations, International Finance Corporation (the World Bank Group), the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Enterprise Community Partners, Brookings Institution, Fulton County Government, and Atlanta Mayor’s Office, among others. His work has been cited or featured in the U.S. President's 2024 Economic Report, Fox News, WSB-TVWABE FM 90.1 (Atlanta Metro NPR), Georgia Public Broadcasting (Statewide NPR)'s All Things Considered, Fortune Magazine, Yahoo News, Pew Charitable Trusts, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and Atlanta Civic Circle among many other media outlets. He has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Yonsei University.

Areas of
Expertise:
  • Big Data And Public Policy
  • Energy And Resilient Urban Infrastructure
  • Public Finance And Regional Development
  • Social Equity And Race
  • Urban Policy: Housing, Community Development, And Environment

Interests

Research Fields:
  • Economic Development and Smart Cities
  • Energy, Climate and Environmental Policy
  • Policy Process, Leadership, and Pre-Law
  • Program Evaluation, Public Management and Administration
  • Wicked Problems
Issues:
  • Regional Development
  • Community engagement
  • Evaluation
  • Governance
  • Impacts and Consequences of Race/Ethnicity
  • Inequality, Inequity, and Social Justice
  • Infrastructure
  • Institution-Building
  • Public Sector Investment
  • Small and Midsize Enterprises
  • Sustainability
  • Vulnerable Populations
  • Wicked Problems

Courses

  • PUBP-3130: Research Methods
  • PUBP-6112: Research Dsgn-Polcy Sci
  • PUBP-6118: Public Finance & Policy
  • PUBP-8500: Research Seminar
  • PUBP-8803: Special Topics