Gabi Velasco is a policy analyst in the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute and works on a variety of projects. Before joining Urban, they worked with the sustainability program at the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, providing research and project management support across the state.

Velasco received a BA in sustainability studies, a BA in urban political ecology, and a minor in women’s and gender studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduation, Velasco was recognized as one of the Dean’s Distinguished Graduates, the highest distinction awarded by the college. While at the University of Texas, Velasco conducted research culminating in an honors thesis on environmental racism, zoning, and children’s health in East Austin.