Characteristics of Transformative Equitable Development

Focuses project in the context of racial justice and undoing structural oppression.
Prioritizes low-wealth communities and communities of color.
Takes an asset based approach to development by lifting up what is already working and emphasizing what is good about communities.
Retains current residents, preserves, or creates additional affordable housing options.

Generates new economic opportunities,
Supports ambitious goals towards equitable workforce development, hiring, DBE contracting, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Banks and financial institutions offer accessible and affordable savings and loan programs. Intentionally reinvests in the community.
Supports livable wages and strong labor unions.

Values organizing and community engagement.
Prioritizes community wisdom and expertise.
Ensures that the people most impacted by a development proposal are able to meaningfully plan for and benefit from that project.
Values creativity and culturally appropriate solutions.

Recognizes the link between the built environment and the social determinants of health.
Leverages transit service, pedestrian, and bicycling infrastructure.
Supports efforts to break the “disparities cycle” where one’s lifespan and health outcomes are determined by race and zip-code.

Mitigates inequitable impacts of climate change.
Promotes environmental justice while building vibrant, prosperous, and resilient communities.
Expands green spaces, cleans up polluted land, and utilizes clean, energy efficient technologies.