DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

Cecilia V. Estolano has been working on redevelopment and economic development issues for over three decades. 

Her experience leading the Los Angeles-based Estolano Advisors has made her skeptical of strategies that call for luring large firms into a community with big subsidies and tax breaks without asking much in return.

Estolano said most consistent growth comes from home-grown small businesses. 

“This is how we build wealth in this country, particularly when so many folks are locked out of home ownership in high cost cities,” she added.

“We need to invest in infrastructure because it is the foundation for our quality of life and for business growth. 

And we have to work directly with businesses to design workforce training programs tailored to their needs, but only if they can deliver jobs and careers that pay enough to support a family.”

 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

The resulting COTA plan didn’t simply look at sourcing environmentally friendly materials as part of the transit authority’s resilience effort.

It also charted ways of sustaining economic justice by ensuring small, diverse businesses could become contractors for the transit agency, balancing social impact with economic growth. 

“Our only shareholders are the community,” said Charnelle Hicks, who serves as principal at Philadelphia-based CHPlanning.

“[If the plan lacks an element of diversity, we need] to ask the question:

‘So you’re good with not including this consideration for the community?’” 

 

 

 

 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

“Whether the community is Amish or Muslim, unique perspectives exist,” said Charnelle Hicks, who serves as principal at Philadelphia-based CHPlanning.

“You must think about [questions like,] ‘What are the things they care about?,’ and ask, ‘What are their priorities?’

At some point, we all will have disabilities. So we must design for accessibility.”

Hicks cited a plan for the Central Ohio Transit Authority that looked at sustainability not just in terms of the environment, but also in terms of how the transit system of greater Columbus, Ohio could be more inclusive.

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

Experts such as Charnelle Hicks note that minority communities help foot the bill for public projects — even though hiring minority-led firms is the exception to rule. And that imbalance leads to unfair outcomes for travelers on the ground.

“In the public sector, taxes are paid by everyone – so you would think the plan would be for everyone, but we all know it doesn’t always turn out that way,” said Hicks, who serves as principal at Philadelphia-based CHPlanning.

If different people with different backgrounds are not considered from the beginning of the planning process, Hicks argues that projects will fail. 

MAMDANI WILL REBUILD THE BQE TO LAST UNTIL 2080

DESPITE CALLS TO TEAR IT DOWN

All I can think of is tens of thousands of people with disabilities virtually trapped because of terrible sidewalks, crosswalks, curbramps in NYC.

I thought Mamdani is the mayor of the marginalized. 

This action makes him more like the lobbyist for the more than trillion dollar per year auto industry.

$4 billion in pedestrian/wheelchair mobility is game changing. 

Spent on an expressway = failure.

https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/08/24/mamdani-bqe-plan-august-2026?utm_source=streetsblog-nyc.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=the-triple-cantilever-is-here-to-stay

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

Minority industry leaders, though, emphasize that their community does bring unique value and results — no matter what Washington says. 

“It is not that large firms cannot do good work, because they often do,” said Charles Brown, who is the Founder & CEO of the urban planning, public policy and research firm, Horizon 54.

“It is that perspective matters. Diverse firms do not just bring different faces to the table.

We often bring different questions, experiences, and ways of understanding the people affected by the work.” 

“Why? Because we believe those closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” Brown continued.  

 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

“Diverse firms often bring lived experiences, deep community relationship, and unique ways of seeing a problem,” said Charles Brown, who is the Founder & CEO of the urban planning, public policy and research firm, Horizon 54, formerly called Equitable Cities. “Often, that leads us to ask questions or identify impacts that others may overlook.” 

Still, Brown and the other experts we interviewed for this story acknowledged that minority-owned firms face uniquely steep barriers today. 

Affirmative action programs were a required part of federal contracting for a half century, but President Trump signed an executive order revoking it as one of his first acts in office.

The Trump administration also has banned federal contractors, subcontractors, and grant recipients from operating diversity, equity and inclusion programs of their own. 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

Look at the worst, most barrier-choked places for wheelchair users in your community, and you’ll likely find that they have something in common: they were all planned by 100-percent able-bodied teams, who don’t understand the real needs of people with mobility challenges. 

It’s not just about the disability realm. 

Planning history is littered with top-down, failed projects, where the majority imposed what it thought was best for the minority. 

And even if that majority was well-meaning, they got it wrong. 

That’s why experts like Charles T. Brown argue that planning teams must be led by firms that understand the unique and nuanced requirements of placemaking for all — or at least include key sub-consultants on their teams. 

And in an era when the very concepts of “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” are under fire in Washington and beyond, they say diverse hiring is even more important.

 

 

 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

“When you visit the street where Mike Brown was killed [in Ferguson, Missouri, or] when you visit the intersection where George Floyd was killed [in Minneapolis] – the places where their blood spilled out — it is very clear there is no process, tool, or policy that deals with the need to heal the land,” said Dr. Destiny Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles-based Thrivance Group,

Despite the current political climate, Charles Brown, who is the Founder & CEO of the urban planning, public policy and research firm, Horizon 54, emphasizes that his minority-owned firm is growing — and others can too. 

Because even if the rules change, his clients recognize the benefits of both his expertise and his lived experience. 

“There is a big difference between being on the team and having influence over the work,” said Brown, an award-winning transportation professional. “Too often, the minority firm is one of eight or nine subs, has a small scope, and has little say over the budget, methodology, or final recommendations. 

“Diversity at the bottom of the organizational chart is not the same as diversity in decision-making,” Brown continued.

 “Giving qualified, diverse firms opportunities to lead means they help shape the project from the beginning rather than simply being brought in to check a box.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

As Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles-based Thrivance Group, Dr. Destiny Thomas says equitable planning is about actions — not just words.

Even when reports are couched in diverse language, she questions whether conventional planning is truly addressing the desires and needs of diverse people and communities.

“When I think about what sets so-called minority [firms] apart from others, I think about the process,” she added. “I think about opening the process, so diverse opinions are not just gathered but are a part of the plan and policy.” 

Thomas has developed what she calls “The Geography of Memory” framework, which examines how collective trauma becomes embedded in physical places and continues to shape mobility, public trust, redevelopment outcomes, and community interaction with the built environment. 

The framework encourages agencies to map the location of police violence, highways that displaced neighborhoods, forced housing relocation, and neglected public infrastructure, among other public sites of trauma.

She said when those areas are plotted and acknowledged, cities avoid “making investments that unintentionally reinforce harm.” 

Moreover, recognizing sites with negative history in a marginalized neighborhoods can help communities to move forward while shaping local trust in mobility, redevelopment and infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IS UNDER ATTACK — BUT THESE EXPERTS SAY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER

MINORITY-OWNED PLANNING FIRMS ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS THEY EVER WERE, THESE FOUR TOP EXPERTS ARGUE — NO MATTER WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act introduced this April would enshrine that order into law, among other provisions to “stop federal agencies from violating the Constitution by awarding contracts based on recipients’ race or sex,” co-sponsor Sen. Glen Grothman (R – Wisc.) 

And several states are already undoing longstanding race- and gender-based set asides and requirements, even though the bill has yet to pass.

GRATIFIED TO BE A FEATURED EXPERT SPEAKER

AT STARKLOFF DISABIILITY INSTITUTE UNIVERSAL DESIGN SUMMIT

I have delivered more keynote speeches and featured presentations than I can count.

All share my advocacy and expertise on Universal Design and building a better built environment for people with disabilities.

My upcoming appearance incorporates my award-winning journalism and marketing experience.

My presentation, in November, in St. Louis:

Steve Wright, Universal Design Journalist — From DEI to ROI: Rebranding the Endless Benefits of Universal Design in an Era of Political Pushback.

Hope you meet me in St. Louis.

https://starkloff.org/universal-design-summit

EVERY CITY SHOULD HAVE AVENUES WITH SIDEWALKS AS WIDE AS NEW YORK’S

MIAMI’S TYPICAL SIDEWALK, EVEN IN IT’S MOST DENSE URBAN AREAS, IS NOT EVEN HALF AS WIDE AS MANHATTAN’S

The width on the older parts of Lexington Avenue is 13 feet.

New buildings provide 20 feet of sidewalk width, as per updated zoning rules.

This provides a safe path of travel for wheelchair users and all pedestrians.

Wide sidewalks provide space for outdoor café seating, bike racks, benches, waste receptacles, signs and other urban needs – while still providing more than six feet of unobstructed pedestrian pathway.

Along with safety, wide sidewalks encourage people to visit mom and pop visits and to take in the beautify of the city.

Here, the sculptural Chrysler Building shrouded in fog and framed by the polished awning and unfurled flag of the equally splendid Waldorf Astoria.

We love the walkable, rollable sidewalks – that serve early 20th century NYC Art Deco architecture.

PRAISE FOR CONEY ISLAND BOARDWALK WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

HOPE THE $1 BILLION REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WILL ADD SHADED SPACES AND ENHANCE INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Coney Island Boardwalk is fully wheelchair accessible.

It features a wide wooden/concrete boardwalk with a gentle slope (under 3% grade) and plenty of passing space.

Wheelchair-accessible public restrooms on the Coney Island Riegelmann Boardwalk are located at Stillwell Avenue, West 16th Street and West 22nd Street.

Temporary mobility mats are laid out at major access points including Stillwell Avenue, West 5th, West 8th, West 22nd, West 29th, West 32nd, West 33rd Streets, and Ocean Parkway.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS THE MOST DURABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO BUILD

PLUS, PEOPLE LOVE IT. THEY PICK RAMPS OVER STEPS BY A HUGE MARGIN

The end of the line — Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station.

It has ramps & steps.

90% use the ramp.

Proof positive that Universal Design works even for those who are not disabled.

So why can’t more stations have ramps?

KUDOS TO HOTEL EDISON TIMES SQUARE NEW YORK

FOR HAVING A LINK DEDICATED TO ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES

Hotel Edison is an Art Deco gem in the heart of New York’s Theater District. 

Thomas Edison turned on the lights when the 26-story, 1000 guest room hotel opened in 1931.

It now has 810 guest rooms, with 23 designed for accessibility.

Trivia note: scenes from The Godfather & Birdman were filmed there.

Here’s the link to details on access at the historic property that turns 100 in five years:

https://www.edisonhotelnyc.com/accessibility?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20139307422&gbraid=0AAAAADO5I2SIqJWQ583JGDq31VGqO1a86&gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzmuXr5jMWUNiF9A3386IZHZES_L001gak8yIKncyh8fOYpw78lrRHxoC0vgQAvD_BwE 

THE HIGH LINE NYC’S 10TH AVENUE SQUARE IS A SERIES OF TURN RAMPS

A FOR EFFORT ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND ACCESSIBILITY

 In a city of 8.5 million people, one solitary soul watches the Independence Day Weekend / America’s 250th draw to a close in Manhattan.

The High Line’s 10th Avenue Square is a wheelchair accessible window of the city.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS THE MOST DURABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND COST EFFICIENT WAY TO BUILD – ESPECIALLY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

THOSE THAT RESIST IT DO SO AT THEIR OWN (ANTIQUATED) PERIL

The end of the line — Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station.

It has ramps & steps.

90% use the ramp.

Proof positive that Universal Design works even for those who are not disabled. So why can’t more stations have ramps?

PARKING THAT BLOCKS THE SIDEWALK IS MORE THAN AN INCONVENIENCE

IT PUSHES DISABLED PEOPLE AND PEDESTRIANS INTO TRAFFIC

MIAMI TRAFFIC, EVEN ON A SIDE STREET, CAN EQUAL A DEATH SENTENCE

Blocking sidewalks is a serious matter.

This is Andrew Loretta, a beloved father of 2 children.

He was killed in a hit-and-run crash while jogging in the street in Shenandoah a year ago.

People run and walk in the street when sidewalks are broken, missing or obstructed.

Cars frequently block the sidewalk on the south side of historic William Jennings Bryan Park in the Shenandoah section of Miami.

This destroys wheelchair access and safe pedestrian mobility.

Violators MUST be ticketed and towed.

But 99% of Miami police walk around pleading with people to move.

This inspires lawbreaking.

Heavy fines and towing would stop illegal sidewalk parking.

Those who block the sidewalk with their cars are a prime example of selfish, dangerous Car Brain.

I point out the danger to people with disabilities.

They say "I have nowhere else to park."

Mind you, most violators are driving less than 10 blocks--a distance they could walk.

Deplorable.

SUBWAY ELEVATORS COST MILLIONS AND STILL BREAK DOWN

ELEGANT TURN RAMPS COST FAR LESS AND ARE MORE DURABLE

More of this please.

Turn ramp provides wheelchair access between platforms in a Midtown Manhattan subway station.

Instead of costly elevators that break down, why not more of these? 

Universal Design works best when it is simple and straightforward.

NEW YORK MAYOR MAMDANI, PLEASE DO THE MAXIMUM FOR ACCESSIBILITY

HUNDREDS OF CURB RAMPS AND CROSSWALKS 

ARE NOT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY

This is one of many shamefully neglected crosswalks at Madison Avenue and East 44th Street in Midtown Manhattan.

Shoddy layers of pavement and potholes create tripping hazards for pedestrians and mobility barriers for wheelchair users.

A SECRET PARK AT THE SOUTHERN TIP OF MANHATTAN

A+ ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AT THE ELEVATED ACRE

The Elevated Acre is a hidden, one-acre public park in Manhattan's Financial District, located above street level at 55 Water Street, accessible for pedestrians via an escalator.

It offers a quiet escape with panoramic views of the East River & Brooklyn Bridge

The Elevated Acre features mostly wheelchair accessible terrain with a lawn, amphitheater, benches + raised boardwalk.

ADA access is via the 55 Water Street lobby.

Use the building's elevators to travel to the acre.

I CELEBRATED AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY IN CONEY ISLAND

ON AN INCLUSIVE, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE RIDE

Deno's Wonder Wheel one minute before 11 a.m. opening July 4, 2026.

The famous Coney Island attraction is fully wheelchair accessible via stationary cars with level boarding.

A tunnel from the Coney Island Boardwalk to the historic Deno’s Wonder Wheel provides an accessible route to the $10 per ride Brooklyn landmark.

DISABILITY VISIBILITY PROJECT – PHOTO IMAGE NUMBER 100

CONEY ISLAND JULY 4, 2026

Disability Visibility July 4, 2026 at the original Nathan’s hot dogs Coney Island. Celebrating diversity as part of our nation’s 250th.

Annual hot dog eating contest took place right around the corner.

INTRODUCING A TRIPPING HAZARD IS NOT GOOD MOBILITY DESIGN

REMOVE BUMPY SURFACES THAT ENDANGER WHEELCHAIR USERS

It’s time to say goodbye to the pavers that are a wheelchair mobility hazard on the sidewalk hugging Central Park on 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

A smooth, pedestrian friendly surface is urgently needed.

NU STADIUM: HOME OF INTERMIAMI CF

GREAT SIGHT LINES, LOVE TO ROOF CANOPY PROTECTION FROM RAIN

I can now say I saw Lionel Messi play in live in MLS competition.

Great time at my first game at NU Stadium.

InterMiamiCF played to draw vs. my former hometown Columbus Crew.

Great sight lines, concessions, restrooms.

Canopy roof saved us from the rain.

While waiting years for the pedestrian bridge, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County MUST do a better job for pedestrians walking from the north parking lots.

The sidewalk on 37 Avenue over the Miami River branch is narrow and dangerous for pedestrians.

Close the westernmost south bound lane of 37^th/Douglas Road – to create a safe pathway to the stadium.

I am still evaluating wheelchair access at the stadium.

For the record, I still think it was a boondoggle for City of Miami to give up precious park land for a mega development of hotels, retail, etc. that happens to have a soccer stadium.

I also believe the billionaire developers got a sweetheart dimes on the dollar deal.

But I still want to see a games.

DISABILITY VISIBILITY PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

WHEELCHAIR USERS IN DIVERSE PLACES ALL OVER THE WORLD

Disability Visibility Project: The High Line New York. 

Internationally acclaimed linear green space created from a former elevated railway. 

It features multiple elevators and ramps for wheelchair access.

ARCHITECTS THAT WANT TO HIDE WHEELCHAIR RAMPS TO THE SIDE

OR BACK OF BUILDINGS ARE BIGOTED ABLEISTS. PERIOD.

Wheelchair ramps are an abomination.

They ruin the façade.

Fire escapes.

So sculptural, they enhance the façade.

If the same architect makes both of these statements, they hate disabled people.

Only ableists reject access ramps.

BARELY 25% OF NEW YORK’S ESSENTIAL SUBWAY TRAINS

ARE ACCESSED BY ELEVATORS – FIX THIS MAYOR MAMDANI

The MTA's 2025-2029 Capital Plan commits nearly $7.1 billion to station accessibility.

This phase of the plan will make 60 additional stations newly ADA-accessible while modernizing dozens of older elevators.

Long overdue.

The MTA is not under the New York mayor’s office, but its high profile progressive Mayor Mamdani MUST ensure this work does not fall behind.

PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY IS THE FUTURE

MORE THAN 1/3 OF AMERICANS CANNOT/DO NOT DRIVE

Bicycle delivery bike parking lot at 11th Street and 1st Avenue in the Lower East Side.

Each of the hundreds of bikes takes a delivery vehicle off the street and reduces pollution and congestion.

The more we emphasize multimodal mobility, the more we can design wide sidewalks to accommodate wheelchair users and other people with disabilities.

The more we reduce car dependency, the more critical mass we’ll have for train, bus and gondola transportation that is fully accessible and inclusive to all.