Reparations Programs

Reparations programs explicitly address the history of injustices that have led to lower socioeconomic status for communities of color. Cities including Asheville, North Carolina; Providence, Rhode Island; and New York City have set up commissions to study their potential implementation. Evanston, Illinois, became the first city to enact a reparations program in 2019, which research shows has widespread support from residents.

Planners should monitor how these projects are impacting communities and similarly address the legacy effects of exclusionary planning and land use processes on the socioeconomic status of individuals, neighborhoods, and entire populations. For a brief overview of the topic of reparations, see the APA blog post, "Six Ways Planners Can Help Communities Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap."