How Comprehensive Plans Can Address Social Equity

F O C U S O N L A N S D A L E 2 0 4 0

IntroductionI n t r o d u c t i o n : L A N S D A L E 2 0 4 0 a n d P l a n n i n g f o r D i v e r s i t y , E q u i t y , a n d I n c l u s i o n

Equity: “Just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Unlocking the promise of the nation by unleashing the promise in us all.”

— Planning for Equity Policy Guide, APA (2019) planning.org/policy

Introduction: LANSDALE 2040 and Planning for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Montco: Demographic Profile and Equity Initiatives

AICP Code of Ethics: Provides a Foundation for Social Equity in Planning

LANSDALE 2040:Diversity & Inclusion Chapter

(a) Diversity Committee(b) Diversity & Inclusion Chapter

LANSDALE 2040F i r s t c o m p r e h e n s i v e p l a n i n M o n t c o t o i n c l u d e D i v e r s i t y a n d I n c l u s i o n c h a p t e r

D i v e r s i t y & I n c l u s i o n i s o n e o f t h e f i v e g u i d i n g p r i n c i p l e s o f L A N S D A L E 2 0 4 0

• Lansdale will ensure its programs, policies, and communications serve everyone in the borough.

• Lansdale will consider efforts to reach everyone in the borough when drafting, designing, communicating, and implementing policy changes.

Planning Has Contributed to Inequity

• “Slum clearance” and interstate highway construction destroyed minority and less-affluent neighborhoods

• Exclusionary zoning reinforced racial and economic segregation

• Gentrification displaced minority and less-affluent populations

• Locally undesirable land uses (LULUs) sited among vulnerable populations

Planning Opportunities to Create Positive Change

The predominantly African-American “Black Bottom” neighborhood, in what is now University City, was razed to build the University City Science Center and University City

…but planners have tremendous opportunities to create positive change

The plan:• Is more representative of the community

• Has greater legitimacy

• Better serves the community’s needs

• Has community “buy-in” (not a plan by others for others)

• Is more equitable

• Enhances communication and understanding

Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Creates a Better Comprehensive Plan

AICP Code of Ethics: Provides a Foundation for Social Equity in Planning

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Code of Ethics

Our Overall Responsibility to the Public• Always be conscious of the rights of others• Give people the opportunity to have a meaningful

impact on the development of plans and programs that may affect them (participation should be broad enough to include those who lack formal organization or influence)

• Seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons, recognizing a special responsibility to plan for the needs of the disadvantaged and to promote racial and economic integration (urge the alteration of policies, institutions, and decisions that oppose such needs)

• Deal fairly with all participants in the planning process

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Code of Ethics

Our Responsibility to Our Profession and Colleagues• Increase opportunities for members of

underrepresented groups to become professional planners, and help them advance in the profession

• Contribute time and effort to groups lacking in adequate planning resources

Montco: Demographic Profile and Equity Initiatives

Hispanic or Latino Population, 2010-2019

Racial Composition and Change, Montgomery County

39.1%

27.7%

17.6%

8.4%

2.9%0.4%

-12.2%-14.6%

-20%

-15%

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Two or more Asian Black orAfrican

American

Total White AmericanIndian

Other

PERCENT CHANGE BY RACE,2010-2019

American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates

Montgomery County Equity Initiatives• Expanded outreach to diversify recruiting

and resulting workforce• Dan Farina, MCPC Senior County

Planner, is Co-Chair of the Montgomery County Diversity Committee

• MCPC developed a trail access, diversity, and awareness plan

• Restart Montco provided resources about affordable housing and nonprofit organization support– critical issues during the pandemic

• Formed to ensure that county lives up to its social equity ideals

• Conducted diversity survey of staff• Recommended creation of Diversity,

Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plan and monitoring of progress

• Recommended hiring of Director of DEI• Incorporate DEI into recruitment,

retention, and education • Build culture of inclusion throughout

county administration, senior leadership, constituents, service providers, and community partners

Diversity Committee

Montgomery County Equity Initiatives

LANSDALE 2040 Diversity Committee

Diversity Committee• Kristyn DiDominick; Connie Lezenby; and Rachael Haile Selasse; John Ernst, AIA• Recognized LANSDALE 2040 formulation process and future borough planning needed to be as

inclusive as possible—undertaken with and for all in the borough

Diversity Committee• Inclusive planning process is all the more important given Lansdale’s rapid demographic changes and

diversification

LANSDALE 2040 Public Outreach

A. Survey sent to all households in borough with electric bill (Slide 1 of 2)

• Online and print versions• Spanish version• Distribution to English as a Second Language class

Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and mosque• Business catering to LGBTQ+ community

M A X I M I Z E D & D I V E R S I F I E D

LANSDALE 2040 Public Outreach

A. Survey sent to all households in borough with electric bill (slide 2 of 2)

• Distribution to various business, community, and religious leaders

• Distribution to public library and North Penn Commons and PEAK Senior Center to reach less-affluent, senior, and other populations

• Borough communications department used to maximize distribution of survey (including website and social media)

M A X I M I Z E D & D I V E R S I F I E D

LANSDALE 2040 Public Outreach

B. Public Events held at sites to maximize participation and attract diverse participants

• Founder’s Day Art Market• International Spring Fest• North Penn Commons

M A X I M I Z E D & D I V E R S I F I E D

Large task force included representatives of:

• Youth• Environmental groups• Developers• Public school system• Borough council and representatives of

various commissions • Chamber of commerce and businesses• Historical association• Community services• Diversity Committee

LANSDALE 2040 Public Outreach

Facilitating Power, Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership

Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)

Building Movement Project

Note: web addresses (URLs) will be provided at end of presentation

Tools & Alliances for Community Engagement

LANSDALE 2040:Diversity & Inclusion Chapter

Diversity & Inclusion

• Analyzes Lansdale’s changing demographics

C H A P T E R T E X T

The Diversity Index shows the likelihood that two persons chosen at random from the same area belong to different race or ethnic groups

Diversity & Inclusion

• Analyzes Lansdale’s changing demographics

C H A P T E R T E X T

Diversity & Inclusion

• Analyzes Lansdale’s changing demographics

C H A P T E R T E X T

Source: Decennial Censuses, 2000 and 2010

2010Asian Indian 757Bangladeshi 524Korean 260Vietnamese 165Chinese (except Taiwanese)

127

Cambodian 100Other Asian, Not Specified

47

Filipino 46

Major Asian Ethnicities, Lansdale Borough, 2010

Diversity & Inclusion

• Educational component

• Issues to consider when conducting public outreach

• Foundation for future potential diversity, equity, and inclusion plan

C H A P T E R T E X T

Diversity & Inclusion Recommendations

• Create standing diversity & inclusion task force

• Serve as an advisor to borough council/serve as steward to promote diversity and inclusion

• To identify diversity and inclusion issues of concern• Make borough’s appointed bodies more diverse

“ P R I O R I T Y 1 ”

International Spring Fest, North Penn High School

• Use diversity to strengthen image and identity of borough

• Strive to recruit diverse candidates for borough jobs

• Assess how the borough’s policies, programs, and procedures impact equity

• When conducting public outreach, and when updating communications strategies, strive to include communications networks used by all people in Lansdale Borough

Diversity & Inclusion Recommendations“ P R I O R I T Y 2 ” I N C L U D E S :

Diversity & Inclusion Recommendations

• Create diversity and inclusion plan

“ P R I O R I T Y 2 ” I N C L U D E S :

Example: Eugene, OR Diversity & Equity Strategic Plan (2009-2014)• Includes proposals for training staff in cultural and

diversity issues and public outreach techniques• (one) Goal: the attainment of diversity awards from

national and regional organizations

• Planners and municipal officials have a tremendous opportunity to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through municipal comprehensive plans

• The AICP Code of Ethics underscores the great responsibility planners have to ensure broad participation; to plan fairly, including with and for underrepresented groups; to plan for the disadvantaged; and to promote racial and economic integration

• There are a variety of methods and techniques available to reach people in the community; be creative and resourceful

• There are numerous resources, plans, and toolkits to draw upon to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in your comprehensive plan

Takeaways