Ngai Pindell

What’s the most important thing you are working on right now?

I have been interested in housing and community development issues since taking a community development clinic in law school. I am currently working on a chapter in a book on affordable housing. My chapter is about state and local housing planning requirements and the importance of aligning land use and housing development decisions with a comprehensive master plan. Affordable housing discussions have increased in frequency in Nevada, and these discussions range from increasing shelter options for the homeless, to providing additional rental subsidies to families with incomes below the area median, to considering inclusionary zoning options. By law, communities are required to assess their housing needs and create plans to develop housing to address those needs. On the ground, the gap between housing needs (especially those of the most vulnerable individuals and families) and housing availability can be staggeringly large, and it can paralyze a community into inaction or, worse, stoke NIMBY or “Not in my Backyard” fears. Southern Nevada faces these same challenges, but the region’s asset has been, and hopefully will continue to be, the region’s growth. It will be important to plan carefully for additional market rate housing, as well as subsidized housing, to ensure that everyone in the community has access to adequate shelter. It will also be important for local jurisdictions to continue to work collaboratively toward finding solutions to housing affordability challenges.

What is it about being a law school professor that inspires or motivates you?

As part of a law school community, I am encouraged to think deeply about issues important to me and to learn from others who have researched these issues for many years. I work with academics, policymakers, and activists across the country on projects that link theory with practice, and in efforts that promote social change. Most importantly, I work with people who are passionate about their work, and their passion motivates me.

I have learned a lot at the university level as well, working with professors from other departments on common issues. I have worked with the International Gaming Institute for several years and it is a wonderful example of collaboration, providing a space for professors from across the university to work with leaders from industry to research and solve the issues facing gaming law and gaming operations.