Tools and strategies

“What we fund reflects what we value.”

Ask:

• Does budget distribution align with community need?

• Are high-need neighborhoods receiving proportional investment?

• Are capital improvements equitably distributed?

Equitable decisions require equitable engagement.

Ask:

• Did we collect input from underrepresented communities?

• Was engagement accessible (language, time, childcare, location)?

• Are we relying only on digital feedback tools?

Equity Scoring Snapshot (Optional)

Score each domain 1–3:

1 = Not addressed
2 = Partially considered
3 = Fully integrated

Total Score:

• 4–6 → Minimal equity integration

• 7–9 → Emerging integration

• 10–12 → Strong equity-centered design

Disaggregation reveals disparities hidden in averages.

Instead of:
“Response time improved.”

Ask:

• Improved for whom?

What to Disaggregate (Start Small)

Prioritize high-impact metrics:

• 311 response time

• Code enforcement timelines

• Permit approvals

• Park access

• Capital investment

• Public safety calls

• Program participation

• Grant awards

Basic Disaggregation Categories

Even small jurisdictions can disaggregate by:

• Neighborhood / ZIP code

• Census tract

• Income tier

• Race/ethnicity (if available)

• Age

• Language access

• Disability status (if available)

If full demographic data is unavailable:
Start with geographic proxy indicators (e.g., high-poverty census tracts).

When disparities appear:

Ask:

• Is this statistically meaningful?

• Is this persistent over time?

• Does this reflect resource allocation?

• What policy lever can address this?

You do not need:

• Advanced analytics software

• A Chief Equity Officer

• A large research team

You need:

• Leadership commitment

• One or two priority metrics

• A repeatable rubric

• Transparent reporting

Equity becomes culture when:

• It is measured

• It is discussed

• It influences resource allocation