Anna Shipp is a principal policy associate in the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute, where she leads a body of work that supports local leaders in creating vibrant, just, and climate-forward economies. Her work bridges the gap between research and practice by translating findings into actionable and holistic policy solutions that serve people, places, and the planet. Shipp’s 20 years of interdisciplinary experience spans workforce development, small business development, economic development, urban sustainability, and climate resilience and includes direct service, policy advocacy, and policy research.

Before joining Urban, Shipp was executive director for the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. There, she led the organization’s work to empower the region’s diverse independent businesses to do well by doing good; to advance industries critical to a just, thriving, and climate-forward economy; and to advocate for an economic ecosystem that serves community needs, shares wealth, and protects the planet.

Shipp is grounded in both the social and physical sciences. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a master’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Pennsylvania.