Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Ariana Adame, Director of Capital Projects for the City of West Sacramento. Connect with Ariana on LinkedIn.
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Why Local Governments Should Apply an Equity Lens to Capital Project Investments
Local governments shape communities through capital projects, funding infrastructure like parks, roads, and community buildings. These investments influence quality of life, but without an equity lens, they risk perpetuating or worsening disparities. Applying an equity lens means critically assessing policies and decisions to ensure fairness, eliminating systemic barriers, and addressing the needs of under-served populations.
The Challenges of Integrating Equity
Embedding equity into capital project decisions is difficult for several reasons. Historical inequities are often deeply entrenched in systems and processes, making it hard to reverse years of under-investment in marginalized communities. Data limitations can also hinder efforts, as governments may lack the tools or resources to identify and measure disparities accurately. Additionally, political pressures can favor more affluent or influential communities, while equity-focused decisions might face resistance due to perceived shifts in resource allocation. Finally, addressing inequities often requires cross-departmental coordination and long-term commitment, both of which can be challenging within the constraints of government bureaucracy. Despite these challenges, the industry won’t change unless we start to make incremental changes.
The Consequences of Ignoring Equity
Widening Inequality
Without equity, resources could go to wealthier, more politically influential areas, leaving under-served communities behind. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and neglect, disproportionately affecting communities of color, low-income residents, and people with disabilities.
Lost Economic Opportunities
Equity-blind investments can hinder economic growth. Inclusive projects, like addressing sidewalk gaps in under-served areas or in marginalized neighborhoods, can unlock potential by connecting residents to jobs and resources.
Erosion of Public Trust
When resource allocation appears biased, it undermines trust in government, leading to disengagement and skepticism of future projects.
The Benefits of an Equity Lens
Fair Resource Distribution
Equity ensures resources go where they are needed most, such as prioritizing road repairs in neighborhoods with high pedestrian traffic, or upgrading parks in areas with limited green space.
Improved Outcomes for All
Investments that address inequities improve overall community well-being. For example, enhancing storm drainage systems in low-lying areas reduce flood risks and health hazards for vulnerable populations, while benefiting the broader region.
Stronger Community Engagement
Equity-based approaches encourage collaboration with marginalized groups, ensuring projects reflect diverse community needs and enhancing trust in local governance.
Embedding Equity in Capital Projects
Use Data to Identify Needs
Analyze demographic, economic, and spatial data to pinpoint areas with the greatest needs. Tools like the Healthy Places Index (specific to California data) or the City Health Dashboard can guide decisions.
Engage Communities
Involve residents—especially from under-served groups—in planning processes. Their input ensures projects align with lived experiences and community priorities.
Conduct Equity Impact Assessments
Evaluate how projects affect different populations. For instance, consider whether a road expansion project improves accessibility for under-served neighborhoods, or if the placement of new utility infrastructure disproportionately impacts low-income households with increased costs or environmental burdens.
Set Goals and Track Progress
Establish clear equity objectives and measure outcomes over time. Transparent reporting builds public trust and accountability.
A Path Toward Inclusive Growth
The funding decisions made by local governments today will define their communities for generations. By applying an equity lens, these decisions can ensure that investments are not only fair, but also sustainable and inclusive. Equity-driven planning isn’t just the ethical approach – it’s a fundamental strategy for building resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Embracing this commitment to equity empowers local governments to build trust, stimulate economic growth, and create a future that benefits all residents. The moment to lead is now.
At the City of West Sacramento, the Capital Projects Team is taking a bold step forward. Starting in 2025, the team plans to introduce an equity assessment for all new capital projects under consideration. We recognize that pioneering efforts are rarely without challenges, but being among the first to chart this course is both a privilege and responsibility. Together, we aim to set a new standard for inclusive growth and equitable development that serves as a model for others to follow.