By Betsy Logan

Equity, planning, and zoning have a complicated history in the U.S.  Both overt and unintended planning practices have resulted in biases and exclusions of many people in our communities. A person’s gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, race, mobility, and ability are affected by policies implemented based on best planning practices. County Planning Commissions are working on tools that provide Equity Analysis. In addition to changing the mindset, these tools can be used to address social equity when applying for grants.

Chester County Planning Commission recently launched its Social Equity website. An interactive mapping feature visually represents demographics, households, economy, education, environment, housing, and transportation and infrastructure needs.  Additional detail on these equity issues is provided, along with recommendations to address these issues and links to more information. In addition, the America Planning Association recently released two Policy Guides – Equity in Zoning (2023) and Equity in Planning (2019) related to equity. Throughout the Commonwealth, various agencies are working to provide resources for equity planning. Interested in learning more? The following organizations have equity data and analysis available for their communities:

• Chester County Planning Commission
• Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
• Montgomery County Planning Commission