Accepted Abstracts

Below is an example of an abstract that was accepted for the Urban Planning Conference.


Planning for Equity and Social Justice

Matias Valenzuela, PhD.
Director, Office of Equity and Social Justice
King County, Washington

Equity is a fundamental element of a fully functioning democratic society. Our communities cannot thrive unless everyone has access to the power and resources that are necessary to be self-sustaining. King County, Washington facilitated a shared community vision that collectively established a set of values to achieve a goal of equity and social justice for all of its residents. The County government began by engaging the community at the onset of a process to dismantle the systems that have served to promote privilege and withhold opportunities for large segments of their population. A Pro-Equity Policy Agenda was crafted as part of the six-year Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. This document focuses on six-goal areas -- ranging from leadership, operations and services to workforce/workplace equity – for advancing and implementing equity practices as an organization.

The plan also outlines specific objectives to improve child and youth development, economic development and jobs, environment and climate change, health and human services, housing, information and technology, the justice system and transportation and mobility. The County has placed special emphasis on developing transportation options for all residents and equitable transit-oriented development. The Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for transformation. Planners, non-profit organizations, public officials and residents committed to pro-equity practices can learn from this approach and apply them in their own communities.