Tugwell, Rexford G. (Rexford Guy), 1891-1979

Economist.

From 1934 to 1937 Tugwell was under secretary of agriculture.

Rexford G. Tugwell (1891-1979) was born in Sinclairville, New York, and grew up in the rural areas of western New York. He was educated at the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce of the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining his doctorate in economics from that institution in 1922. In 1932 he had an opportunity to put his economic theories to practical use. With two Columbia colleagues, Raymond Moley and Adolf Berle, he became a member of Franklin D. Roosevelt''s "Brains Trust". Among other things, he was involved in planning the Agriculture Adjustment Act. Tugwell was a champion of the public interest and advocated more government control over business. His strong opinions and aversion to compromise made him a very controversial figure during his years in public life. In 1933, he was appointed an assistant secretary in the Department of Agriculture, and soon became involved in an attempt to reform the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. A year later he was made Under Secretary of Agriculture and, in 1935, Director of the Resettlement Administration. His particular interest was in suburban resettlement, which included the concept of the greenbelt or garden city. After the 1936 election, Tugwell resigned from the Government. Following a brief time as a vice president of the American Molasses Company, he was appointed chairman of the planning department of the New York City Planning Commission in 1938. In this post, Tugwell displayed both a thorough knowledge of planning and a talent for administration. He was also able to use these talents effectively as governor of Puerto Rico. When he was appointed governor in 1942, plans for a socioeconomic revolution in Puerto Rico had already been made. Tugwell''s greatest contribution was in helping to set up a strong and efficient administration to serve as a base for the revolution. He was the last colonial governor appointed to office. After his term as governor, the citizens of Puerto Rico were given the power to elect their own public officials. In 1946, Tugwell returned to teaching, becoming professor of economics and director of the Institute of Planning at the University of Chicago. He continued to serve as a member of the Caribbean Commission and as an advisor on Puerto Rican affairs. In 1957 Tugwell retired from the University of Chicago and from the Caribbean Commission but remained active as a lecturer and writer. He was affiliated with the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara, California, from 1957 to 1979.

Rexford G. Tugwell (1891-1979) was an governmental administrator and professor, as well as Governor of Puerto Rico.

Tugwell was an administrator for the Resettlement Administration which later became the Farm Security Administration. Worked with Roy Stryker who oversaw the Photography Project of the FSA.

Educator, economist.

Tugwell was an original member of Roosevelt's "brain trust" and served in several government positions during Roosevelt's administration. Tugwell died in 1979.

Administrator; Washington, D.C. and Santa Barbara, Calif.

Was an administrator for the Resettlement Administration which later became the Farm Security Administration. Worked with Roy Stryker who oversaw the Photography Project of the FSA.