Laura Walton

Laura Walton is entering her second year in the Master of Urban Planning program at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, with a concentration in Economic Development, coursework in Sustainability, and a recent certificate from the Ross Program in Real Estate Development. She holds dual degrees in Integrated Design (focused on Social Practice and Data Visualization) and Global Studies from Parsons School of Design at The New School.

Laura bridges creative strategy with urban systems, drawing on her background in visual storytelling, policy, and cross-sector collaboration to reimagine cities rooted in equity and care. Her passion for affordable housing is grounded in both personal experience and professional insight.

Raised across rural Arkansas, North Texas, and New York City, she has witnessed stark disparities in infrastructure, investment, and opportunity. Through roles in community-based research, commercial real estate storytelling, and production, Laura has a deep understanding of how systemic planning decisions shape access to housing, transit, health, and economic mobility.

As a Merritt Scholar, she looks forward to sharpening her financial, policy, and technical skills, and building lasting connections through mentorship and collaboration. She’s excited to contribute her creativity and systems-thinking approach to the future of equitable housing.