Implementing Equity: Planners, Officials, and Equity Policy

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings The professional and academic associations that shape the practice of urban planning encourage equity planning in both their stated goals and provided resources. Despite this emphasis, planners in both private and public sectors struggle with defining equity and prioritizing it in their work. We set out to identify attitudes toward and knowledge gaps about equity among practicing planners through an online survey distributed to Michigan Association of Planning (MAP) members. The results indicate that most planners believe the officials they work with think equity is an important planning goal, Michigan municipalities are already adopting a wide range of equity-focused policies, and planners may be advancing equitable policies without explicitly calling them that. Yet a large percentage of planners do not discuss equity with their appointed and elected officials, and significant barriers to equitable planning remain. Our survey respondents included some planning officials who are not planners. We did not survey planners in Michigan who are not MAP members.Takeaway for practice Planners could be including equity in conversations with their elected and appointed officials. Planners also have an opportunity to implement equitable practices that do not have big price tags but help increase opportunity and access for disadvantaged residents. Professional associations, like MAP, also have a role to play through conducting research that produces the kinds of data planners asked for in the survey, leading to further technical assistance for practicing planners.

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