ENS 201.03 Group 4

Reduced Inequalities

What is SDG 10?

"Inequality threatens long-term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction, and destroys people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth.

The incomes of the poorest 40 percent of the population had been growing faster than the national average in most countries." (UN)

Low-income and minority communities are disproportionally exposed to environmental hazards of all kinds.

How can Muskegon address this goal?

Reduced Inequalities are visible in the city of Muskegon. The city of Muskegon was redlined (Image Below) by the federal government in 1938. "The redlining specifically targeted residents of color, deeming their neighborhoods as "hazardous" to investment because they had residents of color or even near residents of color" (MSU). The redlining of 1938 still has its impacts today in Muskegon. Specifically, we would like to address the disproportion between Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. The city of Muskegon could address this goal by bringing up the economy in the less fortunate area of Muskegon Heights. The city has spent millions on improvements to the downtown area of Muskegon, which only has increased the disproportion in Muskegon Heights. We urge Muskegon to do the same for Muskegon Heights, this will help reduce inequalities in the Muskegon area.

How have other cities addressed this goal?

There are seven major transformations to solve urban inequalities highlighted by World Resource Institute.

Infrastructure Design & Delivery: "Municipal infrastructure must be designed and delivered to prioritize neglected populations, address existing backlogs to basic services, minimize carbon lock-in and anticipate future risks. Medellín, Colombia invested $35 million to build Metrocable’s K line, a circulating releasable single-rope gondola system that directly benefits 150,000 residents. In some cases, this investment reduced one-way commutes from 2 hours to 30 minutes."
Service Provision Models: "Informal service providers, such as minibus drivers or water vendors, provide vital services where municipal public services are not available"
Data Collection Practices: "Despite all the data that exists today, many cities do not have granular, local data to help identify where and how vulnerable populations live. Even where data exists, cities often lack technical capacity to manage, share and use data to guide their decision-making." Muskegon does a great job of this; Muskegon Planning Commission hosts monthly panels outlining projects and discussions.
Informal Urban Employment: "Recognizing and supporting informal workers and expanding their access to public space, services, customers and social safety nets can improve livelihoods and economic resilience of cities."
Financing and Subsidies: "Cities, countries and investors need to increase investment and target it innovatively to fill the gap in affordable urban services. Higher national investment with targeted subsidies can also get money where it is needed most, while innovative financing instruments and creative payment methods can increase affordability."
Urban Land Management: "City governments often lack the authority, resources or technical capacity to plan for this growth, so development is driven by private landowners’ profits instead of public interest."
Governance and Institutions: "Cities do not always have the power or resources to make needed changes on their own. Cities need a shared vision and aligned policies across government levels and departments."

How do other SDG goals relate to this goal?

SDG 1 relates to targets 10.1 & 10.4.

Target 10.1 Achieve and sustain income growth in the bottom 40% of the population.

Target 10.4: Adopt policies (fiscal, wage & social protection policies), and progressively achieve greater equality.

SDG 4 correlates with targets 10.2 & 10.3, & shares target 4.5.

Target 10.2: Empower social, economic, & political inclusion, despite status type.

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity & reduce inequalities of outcome, eliminate discriminatory laws, and promote proper legislation.

Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education & vocational training for the vulnerable.

SDG 5 targets 5.1 & 5.5 fit with our goal 10.

Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women & girls everywhere.

Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full & effective participation & equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic & public life.

SDG 11 corresponds with goal 10 through targets 11.1 & 11.7.

Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe & affordable housing, basic services & upgrade slum.

Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive & accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.