by Bill Barnes

As cities across America engaged in events and activities as part of NLC?s 7th Annual Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week last month, it is important to recognize that long-term efforts in improving racial and ethnic equality can be hard and complex and can take time, yet are immensely important and productive for the development of the community, according to respondents of a recent survey.

The survey of 42 local initiatives, as well as a cross-site analysis of 14 interviews with local leaders, was conducted this year by a partnership of NLC, the Aspen Institute Roundtable on Community Change and MP Associates Inc. The survey?s report, ?Lessons Learned: How Communities are Addressing Racial Inequities,? was written by Maggie Potapchuk, an independent consultant.

An important theme in the survey findings is that, for city officials, ?it is important to have buy-in from city leadership.? In many of the 42 responding cities, the municipal government has taken lead roles in the racial equity initiative. The study found that nonprofits, faith groups and local governments are more frequently involved in these initiatives than any other sectors.

The survey also asked about the moving force that got each city involved in creating the local initiatives. For 28 percent of the 42 communities, a racial incident, legal case or hate crime was the impetus. For 38 percent, a community convening or a formal institution?s stated goal was the catalyst. Also, 76 percent of the localities said their community had seen significant demographic changes in the last ten years.

Riverside, Calif., and Fort Wayne, Ind., use a variety of tactics to implement racial/ethnic equity strategies: dialogue groups, study circles, anti-racism and awareness training,  media campaigns, and community and neighborhood forums. Riverside uses a community/sector report card to highlight conditions. Public policy changes support the efforts.

In Longmont Colo., the city and a community collaborative established a ?Multicultural Plan? in 2002. It is a five-year guide for ?becoming a multicultural community? and for ?working together to become a caring and inclusive community.?

Seattle City Hall carries out a ?Race and Social Justice Initiative? that initially focuses on internal issues. Five central concerns guide the work across all city departments: capacity building, work force equity, economic equity, public engagement and immigrant services.

NLC and the project partners see the study as a basis for further work to learn what works and what doesn?t work and to find ways to help local leaders meet current challenges and opportunities and prepare their communities for changes that may lie ahead.

The project was supported by a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Details: Download the report Lessons Learned: How Communities are Addressing Racial Inequities  
Visit the  Equity and Opportunity Issue page for more information about this subject and related topics.