Equity in Planning
Equity
While ‘equality’ means ‘sameness’, EQUITY means FAIR treatment, fair access, fair opportunity and fair advancement for all people. Equity is an approach that ensures everyone is supported in their personal and professional development. Unlike equality, equity does not aim to treat all individuals in the exact same way. Instead, equity recognizes that advantages and barriers exist, and that as a result, different people have different needs.
Systemic Racism and Segregation Policies in
Planning
At its inception, modern urban planning focused on public health, taking steps like separating industrial and residential uses. However, planners quickly began using policy as a tool for segregation.
• Race-based zoning ordinances
• Residential districts banning multi-family housing types (essentially excluding renters)
• Redlining (the systematic denial of various services by federal, state and local governments, essentially blocking off certain neighborhoods from receiving benefits such as home loans and insurance).
• Discriminatory investment in schools, amenities, and infrastructure
Sources: Deep Dive: Redlining, Racism and Urban Planning, Emi Okikawa and Tim Frank, July 21, 2021
Historic Inequity in Lexington
Similar to other communities, Lexington has a long history of racism, violence, and discrimination. Racial equality continued to elude African Americans in Lexington-Fayette County. A report titled: “A Study of Economic and Cultural Activities as They Relate to Minority People in Lexington and Fayette County, Kentucky in 1966” found that 98% of the city’s non-white citizens lived in the central area of the city, and that 40% of this housing was substandard. In 1978, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed housing biases involving black and white couples with similar incomes, education and other personal factors.
The national study of 40 cities ranked Lexington fourth among those with the worst problem in housing discrimination. Although Lexington updated its housing ordinance the next year to equalize housing opportunities for all citizens, a Kentucky Human Rights Commission study showed apartment complexes were still segregated in 1981
Source: Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice & Equality, 2020
Housing Inequity
that minorities are most heavily represented in jurisdictions with the smallest percentage of single-family-only zoning
Source: Menendian, S., Gambhir, S., French, K., & Gailes, A. (2020, October 7). Single-family zoning in the San Francisco Bay Area. SingleFamily Zoning in the San Francisco Bay Area | Othering & Belonging Institute www.belonging.berkeley.edu
Neighborhoods in Transition
Maps of Vulnerabilities to Displacement
The goal was to establish maps to identify areas in Lexington that are experiencing transition, and which are most vulnerable to involuntary displacement.
The Task Force identified four attributes that contribute to a neighborhood’s vulnerability to involuntary displacement:
Low mean home sale price Fayette County’s mean SF-residential sales price is $201k. This takes the lowest quartile of sales, being anything under $113k.
Low owner-occupancy rate Fayette County’s owner-occupancy rate is 77%. This study highlights the top 10 block groups with the lowest owneroccupancy. High minority population (non-white)
The percentage of the population within these block groups that are non-white ranges between 34-93%.
Segregation and Inequality
Foreclosures 2008-2018
Sources: Townsley, J., Andres, U. M., &, Nowlin, M. (2021, June 24). The lasting impacts of segregation and redlining.
Social Needs and Conditions Index
Parks and Recreation Master Plan The Social Needs and Conditions Analysis was conducted using ten demographic and socioeconomic indicators to measure the level of social need for 82 census tracts in Lexington. These indicators included: Household Income • Education Level Unemployment • Single Parent Households
Long-term impacts: Health of residents • Crime Income and potential earnings • Environmental quality (e.g.. heat island effect, air quality) Economic opportunity • Generational wealth • Public services (ie. education, libraries, policing, fire, etc.) Long-term segregation and disinvestment can actually be measured by dramatic differences in temperature in neighborhoods that were once red-lined – due to a lack of parks, street trees, and vegetation,
an
of paved surfaces. Plumer, B., Popovich, N., &, Palmer, B. (2020, August 24). How decades of racist housing policy left neighborhoods sweltering. The New York Times
and
excess
A-18 Figure A.12: Social Needs and Conditions Index Map MASTERSON STATION PARK SHILLITO PARK CARDINAL RUN PARK HISLE PARK THE COLDSTREAM PARK Lexington Parks and Recreation Master Plan Your Parks, Our Future Social Needs and Conditions Index 0 1 2 3 4 0.5 Miles Legend Percentile (Need Level) 90% to 100% (Highest) 80% to 90% 70% to 80% (High) 60% to 70% 50% to 60% (Medium/High) 40% to 50% (Medium/Low) 30% to 40% 20% to 30% (Low) 10% to 20% 0% to 10% (Low) Composite Map: Census Block Group Vulnerability Vulnerability Index Red = 4 points Orange = 3 points Yellow = 2 points Green = 1 point White = 0 *all equally weighted at 1 point each, indexed against County as a whole Attributes Contributing to Vulnerability Pts Median Sale Price (below county median) 1 Owner Occupancy Rate (below county rate) 1 Percent Non-White (above county average) 1 Household Income (below county median) 1 FAYETTE COUNTY Median Sale Price: $201,000 Owner Occupancy Rate: 77% Percent Non-White: 24% Median Area Income: $53,000 30 Source: 2018 Lexington Parks and Recreation Master Plan. All of the demographic data for this analysis was derived from the American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates from 2010-2014 linked with 2014 TIGER/Line® Shapefiles. The crime data was provided by the Lexington Police Department. Code of Ethics update January 1, 2022 to:
Historic 1930’s redlining map of Lexington. Areas in green and blue saw investment, while areas in red and yellow saw disinvestment and lack of funding, and typically indicated black or brown communities. National averages of land surface temperature differences (top), percent tree canopy (middle), and percent of impervious surface (bottom) by HOLC security rating. Source: Hoffman, J. S., Shandas, V., &, Pendleton, N. (2020, January 13). The effects of historical housing policies on resident exposure to intra-urban heat: A study of 108 US urban areas www.mdpi.com National Trend The percentage of each racial group represented based upon the percentage of single-family-only zoning as a portion of residential land. What this illustrates is
“More fully account for the planners’ role in social justice and racial equity while accepting our responsibility to eliminate historic patterns of inequity tied to planning decisions.”
www.savi.org Environmental Inequity Temperatures are much higher in formerly red-lined neighborhoods in direct correlation to percent of tree canopy and impervious surface. Generational Poverty Being born into a poorly graded neighborhood decreases a child’s annual earnings by $15,000 near age 30, even when their parents’ income remained constant. Environmental Risk For the same reason temperatures are higher so are the cancer risks from air pollution. Limited Income Neighborhoods graded ‘A’ have the highest average household income, over $130,000, while neighborhoods graded ‘D’ just under $40,000. Health Outcomes Residents of grade “D” neighborhoods report three times as many days of poor health in the last month compared to residents of grade “A” neighborhoods having far-reaching impacts. Exclusionary Zoning Cities with higher levels of singlefamily zoning are more racially homogeneous within their boundaries, than cities with less single-family zoning. Household income at less than 30 percent of area median income The quartile of Lexington’s block groups with the highest percentage of people making a household income of less than $25,750 (30% AMI). The map on the right finds the overlap of these four factors, with those shown in red as potentially being census block groups that are the most vulnerable to gentrification, displacement, and predatory real estate practices. There are additional attributes that factor into a neighborhood’s vulnerability to involuntary displacement beyond the four priority area attributes: Senior population • Educational attainment (less than a high school diploma), • Foreclosures Crime • Residents Under 18 Residents 65 and Over • Residents with Disabilities Poverty Status • Population Density
26 Source: Task Force on Neighborhoods in Transition (June 8, 2021). Maps of Vulnerabilities to Displacement Surface Temperature Variation Imagine Lexington | March 2022
The act of creating environments in which people feel like they can be their authentic selves. It means everyone feels valued, respected, and appreciated for their unique identities, even when they’re different from others. Inclusion outcomes are met when your policies and programs are truly inviting to all. And extends to the degree in which diverse individuals are able to participate in decision-making processes and development opportunities.
Immigrants Aging Population
Top 10 foreign languages spoken/represented in Lexington
• Spanish Swahili
• Arabic Nepali
• Japanese French
• Mandarin Kinyarwanda
• Korean Portuguese
Lexington’s International Population
Global Lex is a multilingual, multidisciplinary center where local residents and our foreign-born population obtain information, and access programs and services.
• Based on 2020 FCPS ELL student enrollment, local estimates are that 23% of the total Lexington population are foreign language speakers Approximately 196 languages from all parts of the world are spoken in Lexington
• Lexington is following a national trend towards Asian immigration and foreign language growth
1,113
Source: Stacker. (2021, October 3). Biggest sources of immigrants to Lexington. www.Stacker.com
2019 Statewide Immigration Statistics
Where are they immigrating from?
Source: State demographics data KY. Migration Policy Institute. www migrationpolicy.org. (2021, November 1).
People with Disabilities
• Therapeutic classes
Compassionate Cities Designation
• Waste management exemption for those that can’t get their trash tot he street
• Remodeling for Access and Mobility Program (RAMP)
Reimagining Home
• Curb cuts and sidewalk connection program
Lextran bus fleet is 100% lift/ramp equipped
Lextran ADA paratransit
• Lextran reduced cost passes
Timing of crosswalks
• Shared use trails - Town Branch Commons, Legacy, etc.
Pedestrian wayfinding
• Residential handicapped parking spaces
Caregiver resources and support groups
• Proposed satellite center for seniors and people with disabilities at Shilito Park (FY 2023)
Things Lexington scored well on (top third across the country)
Multi-family housing availability
• Availability of subsidized housing
Proximity to destinations (grocery stores, parks
• Compact neighborhoods Transportation costs
• Access to health care
Opportunity for civic engagement
• Job opportunities
Things Lexington scored average on (middle third across the country)
Housing costs and cost burden
• Mixed-use neighborhoods Neighborhood quality and vacancy rates
• Obesity Quality of health care
• Social engagement
High school graduation rate
• Multi-generational communities
Things Lexington scored poorly on (lower third across the country)
Personal safety crime rate
• Convenient transportation options
Accessible station and vehicle designs
• Higher than
Source: AARP livability index great neighborhoods for all ages. AARP. (2018 June). www.livabilityindex.aarp.org/
1 of 2 local governments with aging services in Kentucky 4 citywide locations for senior adult programs
Source: Age Friendly Lexington A Livable Community Age Friendly Elxington www.agefriendlylexington.org
TOP 10 CENSUS BLOCK GROUPS:
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
106/100 w/flex bonus points
50,000 Attendees annually
Inclusion
Lexington received perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index Ranks cities based on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. The score, 106, is the highest received by any city in Kentucky Lexington – first county in the state to pass an inclusive fairness ordinance in 1999 Passed domestic partner benefits for government employees • Strengthened discrimination protection language Celebrated the annual Lexington Pride Festival • Passed a ban on youth conversion therapy Passage of Lexington’s LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Protection Ordinance • Utilizing all-gender signage for city-owned single occupancy facilities Discrimination protections in city contracts • Encouraging members of the LGBTQ community to apply for careers with local government Room for improvement: Transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits from LFUCG Other Major Draws • Numerous local affinity groups - including several Black Pride organizations • Trans support for both he trans community and parents of trans youth Accepting spiritual communities • LGBTQ Senior Services An active drag community - including fundraising missions • Numerous LGBTQ-owned restaurants and bars
sources of immigrants to
Countries are ranked by highest number of foreign-born residents who lived in Lexington as of 2019’s five-year estimates. The following are the top five: keeps a Livability Index which scores neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for the services and amenities that impact your life the most. Lexington has the following opportunities and programs available for residents: • Accessory Dwelling Units Orientation and mobility workshops
Biggest
Lexington
Source: Maps of Vulnerabilities to Displacement Task Force on Neighborhoods in Transition Sources: Lexington receives best equality score in Kentucky. City of Lexington. (2021, November 18). www.lexingtonky.gov Municipal equality index. Human Rights Campaign. from www.hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index Benedetti A.. Southern Pride: A Guide to Lexington, KY’s LGBTQ SCENE Livability. www.livability.com Outreach and Engagement There is a gap in who we are hearing from, so how can we engage in new ways to bring different voices to the conversation – particularly those people that are non citizens. SENIOR POPULATION 2017 OVER 65 Data sources: ACS 2017 5 year estimates, quartile classification scheme; Pension Policy Center 2017 PERCENT OF INDIVIDUALS >65 0% - 8% 8% - 12% 12% - 17% 17% - 51% URBAN SERVICE BOUNDARY NO DATA LABEL TRACT BLK GRP PER >65 1 003803 3 51.08 2 003913 2 45.68 3 003000 1 33.88 4 002303 3 30.66 5 002600 1 29.82 6 003916 2 29.27 7 003202 4 28.4 8 003600 1 27.41 9 002304 2 26.59 10 002400 2 25.97 ADDITIONAL DATA CONTEXT: US MEDIAN ANNUAL INCOME FOR SENIORS = $24,224 US MEDIAN SOCIAL SECUTRIY BENEFITS FOR SENIORS = $17,536 POVERTY LEVEL = $ 25,100
23 4% of Kentuckians are immigrants (~197k residents) Mexico 10,809 residents China 2,636 residents 36.2% Asia 0.8% Oceania 10% Africa 12% Europe 2.5% North America 38.5% Latin & South America India
residents Japan
residents Honduras
2,396
1,152
residents
immigrant parent)
3% are first-generation (at least one
average speed limits Drinking water quality • Roadway air pollution Prevalence of smokers • Access to culture, arts, and entertainment Income inequality - gap between rich and poor Lexington Senior Center Activities Exercise and wellness classes Continuing education • Social events Recreation • Arts and music classes Virtual classes Social Work • Financial assistance Food assistance • Case management Referrals and assistance LIVABILITY INDEX SCORE Livabilities Physical Application Many of the factors that impact the Livability Score have physical implications, from access to amenities to housing affordability. Living With Disabilities Number of Americans With a Disability by Age, Sex, and Disability Type 65+ 18–64 5–17 65+ 18–64 5–17 65+ 18–64 5–17 65+ 18–64 5–17 65+ 18–64 5–17* 65+ 18–64 5–17 Data not collected for this age group. 172K 134K 2.4M 1.5M 4 1M 173K 4.1M 5.1M 4.3M 7.0M 156K 3 1M 235K 237K 1.8M 1.9M 1.3M 350K 1.7M 1.8M 1.5M 2.5M 207K 1.8M 1.6M 793K 4.6M 4.5M 1.8M 3.5M 3.9M 2.6M 4.7M 2.6M HEARING difficulty AMBULATORY difficulty VISION difficulty SELF-CARE difficulty COGNITIVE difficulty INDEPENDENT LIVING difficulty Male Female Source: 2019 American Community Survey, 1-year estimates, <www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs> K = Thousands M = Millions Commission for People with Disabilities To promote the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities within-Fayette County, and advise the Mayor and the Council on issues that impact persons with disabilities. Goals: • Educate and promote businesses that hire individuals with disabilities. • Spread the word about the Commission, Create and conduct disability-sensitivity trainings for LFUCG employees and Council Members. • Create awareness about handicapped parking and increase the penalty for illegally parking in a space. Planning for People of All Abilities The way spaces are physically planned needs to take into account many types of disabilities - particularly ambulatory. Independent living difficulties also impact non-traditional housing models. 50
