Inclusive Cities: Inclusion Equals Diversity Plus Equity

"The placemakers way is to enable the triple bottom line of resilience: environment, economy, and society, trying to balance the needs of people, planet and profit. And yet it’s always easier to measure the impacts of our collective choices on profit — or even on the planet — than it is on people. We’ve blogged extensively about happiness, with equity as an essential component. Social equity has been defined as equal opportunity in a safe and healthy environment. Social equity requires fair, just and equitable public policy. Social equity is a generator of social capital."

Borys goes on to share highlights from two forums at art museums on inclusion and indigeneity. She encourages city planners to put these cultural institutions higher up on key stakeholders list for planning initiatives.

"How do we make communities more generative and sustainable? Tap into creativity. Follow artists, who find the seams where the conflict is happening."

"Relentless incrementalism is needed for systematic change. Diverse communities begin to engage when they see 'my voice counts.' Aspirations are not enough for systemic change. Inclusion can’t happen without diversity and equity."