Dr. John Benhart established the CLU in 2003 to provide conferences, workshops, technical assistance, research, and community education programs to promote sound land planning and to enhance the quality of life in the five county service region of Adams, Fulton, Cumberland, Franklin, and Perry Counties. Dr. George Pomeroy served as Director from 2004 to 2015, providing administrative support to the I-81 Corridor Coalition.

In Summer 2015, the Center was relaunched as the Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS) to promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration at local, regional, and global scales. Dr. Claire Jantz was appointed Director, and a new leadership structure was formed, including two support staff. CLUS Affiliate Scholars and Student Fellows continued to support communities through applied research projects.

The CLUS Strategic Plan was completed in early 2020. This process refined the Mission and Vision of the Center, articulated Values, and outlined Goals and Strategies for 2020-2025. Learn more about our achievements in the timeline, below: