Joseph Parilla

Joseph Parilla is the Director of Applied Research at Brookings Metro, where he oversees a research and strategy portfolio focused on the trends and policies that influence inclusive economic growth in cities across the U.S. and the world. Parilla authors publications, delivers public presentations, and provides commentary to media on topics such as economic development, small business trends, and talent development.

Most recently, Parilla has delivered real-time analysis and practical guidance on how local and regional leaders can mitigate economic damage from COVID-19 and drive an inclusive recovery. Parilla has led applied research engagements that offer local economic assessments, practical policy and programmatic solutions, and clear goals and metrics to guide government, business, and philanthropic leaders in regions such as Birmingham, Ala., Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Mich., Sacramento, Calif., and San Diego.

Prior to his work at Brookings, Parilla was a research associate in the Urban Institute’s Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, where he focused on housing and urban policy. Parilla holds degrees in public policy from Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy and economics and geography from Macalester College.