EQUITY AND INCLUSION -- Part 5

Planning, Zoning and other Land Use Policy Best Practices to Erase Errors of the Past that Perpetuated Bias and Deepened Inequality

“While the planning and urban design professions are recognizing the role they have played in much of the inequity in the urban landscape, these disciplines are also in key positions in the way they apply their procedural and technical skills to redress many actual conditions through equitable outcomes as well as bringing a more inclusive process of engagement that should characterize all planning initiatives,” Gilchrist said

Gilchrist said the most effective way to ensure an outcome that is inclusive across community is to engage stakeholders before a scope of work is even contemplated. 

The greatest opportunity to ensure a robust, inclusive outcome is to define that opportunity correctly and equitably. 

He urged planners to communicate frequently with social, religious, cultural or business and neighborhood forums within a community.