2 minute read
CCM Reissues Racial Equity Toolkit
by Max Friedman, Research Manager
In 2020, in light of the national discussion on racial equity and disparities after the murder of George Floyd, CCM issued a toolkit to assist municipalities in their efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion. The purpose is to help communities gather data and information to identify areas of change and improvement, including specific actions and targets to obtain improved outcomes for communities of color.
The National League of Cities instituted the Race, Equity and Leadership initiative (REAL) to “strengthen local leaders’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions and build more equitable communities.”
NLC recommends 7 ways that municipal leaders can address racial inequities in their communities:
BUILD TRUST—community engagement that is part of a larger strategy to reach out to all parts of your city or town.
GET THE FACTS—get data about health, education, housing, income, criminal justice, economic develop ment and other relevant measures in your city or town that is disaggregated by race and ethnicity. (Consider using a racial equity assessment tool.)
LISTEN—offer strategic and consis tent opportunities to facilitate con versations and include all voices.
LEAD—be a vocal proponent in your community for racial equity policies, programs and practices. (Many cities and towns adopt for mal resolutions or proclamations declaring their intention to address these issues and laying out or committing to a racial equity action plan.)
CHANGE—use a racial equity framework (or lens) to determine how local policies, initiatives, programs and budgets impact racial equity in your city or town, then follow through on necessary changes.
PROVIDE TRAINING—make racial equity training available to elected and appointed leaders in your city or town, as well as staff and community leaders.
PRIORITIZE ACCOUNTABILITY—track qualitative and quantitative data indicators to mark measurable progress in racial equity actions and initiatives. (Racial Equity Action Plans have been used to define what actions will be taken, how progress will be measured against established goals over what timeframe and who will be responsible.)
Other items in the toolkit include sample initiatives, policies and resolutions in Connecticut and across the country, focused information on housing and other topics, and a municipal checklist for racial equity, which includes concrete action steps that municipalities can take to advance equity in their communities
