February 17, 2026
We're excited to share a recent Participatory Action Research paper published in Planning Theory and Practice by our very own Assistant Professor Andi Binet on urban development and community health.
The paper:
‘Together We Know a Lot’:
A Reflective Case Study of Social Learning Through Participatory Action Research
Led by Dr. Andi Binet
and co-written by community researchers Vedette Gavin, Dina Abreu, Carl Baty, Mitikei Chengerei, Josée Genty, Will Justice, Araceli Tepoz Mendez, Gail Roderigues, David Underhill, Kelsey Salmon Schreck, & Mariana Arcaya
This paper reflects on a long-term participatory action research project on urban development and community health. The authors describe the process and conditions necessary for social learning to occur, and demonstrate collective meaning-making behind their guiding phrase, "Together, We Know a Lot." As told by Planning Theory and practice, "This article will be of interest to anyone considering how to sustain meaningful partnerships between academic researchers and community, engaging diverse epistemologies, and democratizing inquiry."
On the work, SCARP Associate Professor Theo Lim commented:
"Lucky to have such great colleagues at [SCARP] bridging the gap between knowledge and action in creative and connected ways. This kind of work is especially impactful for students to see as they search for ways to battle cynicism around knowledge production and seek ways to redefine 'expertise.'"
About Dr. Andi Binet
Dr. Binet’s research explores the intersections of urban planning and health equity, with a feminist focus on care and social reproduction in cities. They are currently leading a multi-year study of childcare planning in BC, and since 2015 they have co-led the Healthy Neighborhoods Study, a Participatory Action Research project exploring the relationship between urban development and community health in Boston, MA.