Solomon Greene Appointed as Executive Director of Land and Communities at Lincoln Institute
On March 3rd, 2025, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy made a significant announcement regarding the appointment of Solomon Greene as the Executive Director of Land and Communities. Greene, who possesses a wealth of knowledge in various fields such as housing, community development, land use law, urban planning, and technological innovation, steps into this vital role at a crucial time for the organization. Previously, he led the Office of Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Biden administration since July 2022.
During his tenure at HUD, Greene was responsible for a dynamic team of over 200 professionals, including economists, researchers, and policy analysts. Together, they advanced significant policy development and implementation efforts by conducting thorough research, market analysis, and data management. His leadership helped facilitate demonstration projects and innovation initiatives, marked by international engagement that sought to bolster the effectiveness of state and local governments.
Upon welcoming Greene to the Lincoln Institute, President George W. McCarthy expressed enthusiasm about the depth of his expertise. McCarthy stated, "We’re thrilled to welcome Solomon and the deep expertise he brings in a wide array of relevant topics ranging from affordable housing development and preservation to land law and climate resilience." Greene's expansive knowledge will be essential as the Lincoln Institute works towards ensuring that communities are prepared for equitable and sustainable futures.
In his new role, Greene is expected to chart the vision and strategy for the Land and Communities impact area of the Lincoln Institute, which encompasses teams focused on urban sustainability, equity, and opportunity. He will also be instrumental in maintaining the alignment and coordination of efforts across the organization to ensure impactful results in the communities served.
Greene articulated his excitement about joining the Lincoln Institute, emphasizing the importance of utilizing evidence-based data and strengthening community engagement. "It is vital to apply the best available evidence, timely and accessible data to tackle the nation's greatest challenges surrounding land management and use," Greene commented. "The Lincoln Institute plays a crucial role in enhancing land policies through rigorous research and innovative data tools that empower decision-makers and community leaders."
Greene's prior experience is impressive, having held high-ranking positions in research institutions, affordable housing, community development entities, and governmental agencies. His scholarly contributions cover a vast array of topics, including data innovation, civic technology, land use law, and urban planning.
Before his role at HUD, Greene spent over seven years as a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, concentrating on issues related to inclusive urban growth, housing policy, and urban governance.
Educationally, Greene holds a BA from Stanford University, a Master of City Planning (MCP) from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Yale Law School. This educational background supports his comprehensive expertise in addressing complex land policy challenges.
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has a long-standing commitment to enhancing quality of life through effective land management and stewardship. Founded in 1946, the institute serves as a nonprofit foundation that assesses creative approaches to land use, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental challenges are met. They emphasize coordinated land use planning, equitable allocation of resources, and efficient land policies across global communities, with offices located in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, D.C.; Phoenix, Arizona; and Beijing, China. Greene's appointment signals a progressive step forward in the Lincoln Institute’s mission to fortify communities by integrating actionable research and valuable data into their policy frameworks.