Michael Kavanagh is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina. His research interests include urban real estate, community redevelopment, the mechanisms that state and local governments can use to increase affordable housing supply, and policies that local governments can utilize to effectively manage growth within their communities.

Originally from Brooksville, Florida, Michael attended the University of Florida where he earned an Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (Minor in Geography) and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science, with a specialization in Public Affairs. Prior to joining the UNC Department of Public Policy, Michael worked for the Hernando County (FL) and Marion County (FL) governments in areas such as county administration, community redevelopment, urban planning, economic development, and housing services.