Social Equity in Planning

Urban Planning and Development October 25, 2025
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Introduction

This critical course examines the central role of social equity in all facets of urban planning, moving beyond efficiency and aesthetics to focus on fairness, justice, and inclusion. It explores how historical planning decisions have perpetuated spatial and racial inequality, and equips participants with the theoretical frameworks and practical tools to promote equitable outcomes. Topics include participatory planning, redistributive policy, fair housing, and environmental justice. The course challenges professionals to adopt an equity-centered approach to policy-making, resource allocation, and community engagement to build truly just cities.

Objectives

The objective of this course is to equip participants with the critical knowledge and practical tools necessary to integrate social equity as a core principle in all planning functions. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Master the core concepts of social equity, justice, and inclusion in urban planning.
  • Analyze how historical planning practices created and reinforced spatial inequality.
  • Apply tools like Equity Impact Assessments (EIAs) to evaluate proposed policies.
  • Design and implement equitable public participation and community engagement processes.
  • Integrate fair housing principles and anti-segregation strategies into comprehensive plans.
  • Address issues of environmental justice and the disproportionate burden of pollution.
  • Develop equitable resource allocation models for capital improvement programming (CIP).

Target Audience

  • Urban Planners and Policy Analysts
  • Community Development and Advocacy Professionals
  • Public Administrators and Municipal Staff
  • Civil Rights and Fair Housing Advocates
  • Non-profit Leaders focusing on social justice
  • Elected Officials and Policy Makers
  • Students in Public Policy or Urban Studies

Methodology

  • Case Studies of planning policies that successfully advanced social equity goals
  • Group Activities: Developing a set of equity indicators for a comprehensive plan element
  • Discussions on the tension between property rights and redistributive equity goals
  • Individual Exercises: Conducting a basic Equity Impact Assessment (EIA) of a local zoning change
  • Guest speakers from environmental justice and civil rights organizations
  • Role-playing scenarios: Advocating for a policy change to address historical segregation

Personal Impact

  • Develop a critical, equity-centered framework for analyzing all planning issues
  • Gain expertise in practical tools like Equity Impact Assessments (EIAs)
  • Improve skills in designing truly inclusive and empowering community engagement processes
  • Enhance ability to identify and address systemic and institutional bias in policy
  • Become a more effective advocate for redistributive and restorative justice outcomes
  • Strengthen understanding of Fair Housing and civil rights laws in planning

Organizational Impact

  • Ensure public resources and investments are allocated fairly and equitably across all neighborhoods
  • Reduce legal and political risk associated with fair housing and environmental justice claims
  • Improve the organization's responsiveness to the needs of marginalized communities
  • Foster public trust and legitimacy by prioritizing transparent, equitable processes
  • Contribute to the reduction of socio-economic and racial disparities in the community
  • Build organizational capacity to measure and report on equity outcomes effectively

Course Outline

Unit 1: Foundations of Equity and Justice

Theoretical Frameworks
  • Defining social equity, equality, and justice in a planning context
  • Paul Davidoff's concept of Advocacy Planning and its legacy
  • Understanding Distributive, Procedural, and Recognition Justice
  • Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its application to historical planning decisions (e.g., redlining)
Historical Context of Inequity
  • Analyzing how zoning, infrastructure, and urban renewal created/reinforced spatial inequality
  • The legacy of segregation in housing, education, and economic opportunity
  • The role of the planner in perpetuating or mitigating institutional racism
  • Case studies of historical planning injustices and their long-term impacts

Unit 2: Equity in Policy and Housing

Fair Housing and Segregation
  • The legal and practical requirements of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)
  • Analyzing patterns of residential segregation and unequal access to resources
  • Policy tools: inclusionary zoning, rental assistance, and housing subsidies through an equity lens
  • Addressing exclusionary zoning and its impact on opportunity mapping
Economic Equity
  • Planning for equitable access to quality jobs and workforce development
  • The role of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in major development projects
  • Strategies for supporting minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs)
  • Addressing issues of predatory lending and financial empowerment in underserved areas

Unit 3: Procedural and Environmental Justice

Procedural Justice and Participation
  • Designing truly equitable and inclusive public participation processes
  • Overcoming language, cultural, and power barriers in community engagement
  • Strategies for compensating participants and reducing barriers to attendance
  • The role of the planner as an authentic facilitator and not just a technician
Environmental Justice (EJ)
  • Defining and measuring environmental injustice (e.g., disproportionate pollution burden)
  • Integrating EJ into environmental review and permitting processes (e.g., Title VI)
  • Case studies of successful EJ movements and policy changes
  • Planning for equitable access to green space, clean air, and climate resilience

Unit 4: Equity in Infrastructure and Services

Mobility and Access
  • Analyzing transportation networks for equitable access to jobs, healthcare, and education
  • Strategies for eliminating 'transit deserts' and promoting affordable mobility options
  • Equity in service delivery: ensuring quality infrastructure in all neighborhoods (e.g., water, sidewalks)
  • Fair resource allocation models for capital improvement programming (CIP)
Health and Safety
  • Planning for health equity: addressing food deserts, heat islands, and poor air quality
  • Community-based strategies for violence reduction and public safety
  • The role of planning in supporting mental health and social cohesion
  • Addressing the equity impact of smart city technologies (e.g., digital divide)

Unit 5: Implementation and Accountability

Institutionalizing Equity
  • Developing a municipal 'Racial Equity Action Plan' and internal review processes
  • Using Equity Impact Assessments (EIAs) for new policies and plans
  • Establishing an equity-focused governance structure and accountability metrics
  • Training and capacity building for planning staff and commissions

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