2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 25

A Framework for Equity

A Framework for Equity

Element 1

Close the gaps
We will . . .
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

  Collect the data we need to understand the conditions and challenges facing communities with
disparities. We will use alternative data sources and research methods where needed.
Track and report spending and public service delivery measures by place and community.

  Raise awareness, increase understanding and build capacity to identify critical disparities, in an
inclusive manner.
Assess equity impacts of policies, programs, public services, investments and infrastructure

delivery that may appear fair, but marginalize some and perpetuate disparities.
  Develop strategies to mitigate equity impacts, including reallocating public resources to address
critical disparities.
  Build a public database of what works. Prioritize policies, programs and actions to make
measurable progress towards more equitable outcomes.
Tailor approaches to disparity reduction so they are relevant to the primary needs of each at-risk

community.

5-Year Action Plan
Number

Actions

Partners

1

Enforce Title VI.  Implement the City of Portland Civil Rights Title VI Program Plan to
City, OMF
remove barriers and conditions that prevent minority, low-income, limited English proficiency
and other disadvantaged groups and persons from receiving access, participation and
benefits from City programs, services and activities.

2

Track the information needed to understand disparities.  Track information on
the disparities faced by racial, ethnic and other marginalized populations; and share this
information with Portland Plan partners and the public. Address the shortcomings of typical
data sources by inviting self-identified communities to provide information and sources
unique to them. Explore building metrics related to well-being and equity.

OEHR, Other
public agencies,
Nonprofits

3

Evaluate equity impacts.  Assess equity impacts as part of public budget, program
and project list development. Report how budget expenditures, levels of service, and
infrastructure conditions vary by district and communities. Use best practices of racial and
social justice impact assessment.

City, OMF, OEHR,
Other public
agencies
City, Other public
agencies

4

Improve evaluation methods.  Develop and share new ways to evaluate equity impacts.
Build the capacity of city bureaus and Portland Plan partners to use these approaches:
„„ Building knowledgeable evaluation teams.
„„ Defining measurable social impacts.
„„ Identifying relevant levels of service and geographies for evaluation.
„„ Developing relevant evaluation criteria specific to the service.
„„ Incorporating the results into the approach into budget process.
„„ Ongoing improvement to this process and capacity.

5

Mitigate for disparities.  Where disparities in service delivery and community
development programs are found, change policies and priorities to mitigate disparities while
also ensuring reliability, quality and safety of the entire system.

City, Other public
agencies

www.pdxplan.com | April 2012

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