5 Cities Launch the 'Racial Equity Here' Initiative

The idea behind the "Racial Equity Here" initiative: dismantle systematic racial inequality.

1 minute read

July 29, 2016, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Oscar Perry Abello reports on the launch of Racial Equity Here, a $3 million initiative that "will support five U.S. cities committed to improving racial equity and advancing opportunity for all: Albuquerque, Austin, Grand Rapids, Louisville and Philadelphia."

At the beginning of the initiative, "each city will complete a racial equity assessment of their core government operations with an intentional focus on 'opportunity youth' — adults and youth of color aged 16 to 24, who are disproportionately out of school or work." 

"The hope is that the transparency itself will spur discussions that lead to new programs and more importantly a new operating mindset that considers racial equity in all decisions, including and especially annual budget decisions," adds Perry Abello.

The article includes more details about the racial equity work already underway in cities like Austin and Albuquerque, and how the participating cities are hoping to take advantage of the program.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 in Next City

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Close-up of hand holding charging cable moving toward charging port on electric car.

Undoing Biden's EV Rule

The partisan divide over how government should reduce greenhouse gas emissions was on full display after the Biden administration finalized its emissions standards rule for light and medium duty vehicles on March 20.

59 minutes ago - Office of U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan

Aerial view of high-rise buildings on waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Moves Zoning Reform Forward

The ‘Squares + Streets’ plan creates form-based zoning templates for neighborhoods that promote mixed use and denser housing near transit.

1 hour ago - The National Law Review

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.