Equity Planning for the 21st Century

The 20th century roots of equity planning, born in Cleveland, are evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Portland provides a case study of that evolution.

1 minute read

October 24, 2019, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cleveland

Tim Hutchison / Shutterstock

Benjamin Schneider writes to further the legacy of Norman Krumholz in centering considerations of equity in urban planning decisions.

A many Planetizen readers know, Krumholz brought an equity agenda to Cleveland while serving as director of planning for Cleveland, starting in 1969. "This philosophy, which came to be known as 'equity planning,' represented a major shift in a profession that had long been focused on technical problems like zoning and road design, as well as finding new ways to stimulate economic growth," writes Schneider.

Today's urban planning milieu requires a re-evaluation of the tools and outcomes of equity planning, according to Schneider. An evaluation of the successes and shortcomings of Krumholz's tenure follows, as well as an introduction to the idea of Portland, Oregon as a contemporary case study of equity planning, as laid out by Lisa K. Bates, a professor of urban planning at Portland State University.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 in Shareable

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

A group of officials stand in a patch of dirt holding golden shovels and white hardhats.

California city breaks ground on transit connector

The project includes three mobility hubs and a pedestrian bridge.

November 2 - Mass Transit

People walking by a brick school in Cambridge.

After public outcry, Massachusetts city releases housing development tracker

Cambridge’s tracker currently shows 250 housing projects in various stages of development.

November 2 - Smart Cities Dive

A rendering of the park, with green grass and a bass sculpture that looks like several tall arches in a row.

40 years after approval, Chicago breaks ground on new park

The park honors Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city’s first permanent non-native settler.

November 2 - Block Club Chicago