Transforming Chicago requires a definition of racial equity.
On July 6, Mayor Johnson revealed A Blueprint for Creating a More Just and Vibrant City for All, the highly anticipated transition committee report promising a commitment to three large value sets: Equity, Inclusivity and Racial Justice, Co-governance, and Engagement and Accountability.
Niketa Brar, Executive Director of Chicago United for Equity, and Darlene O. Hightower, President and CEO of Metropolitan Planning Council, wrote an op-ed for Crain’s Chicago Business to expand on these values and what actionable steps they’d like to see to “make good on a promising beginning” for the new administration.
“The administration should commit to a definition [of equity] that is explicit about shifting power to communities most harmed by discriminatory policies and hold themselves accountable to these communities going forward.”
Read their top 3 recommendations for the new administration in the full commentary “Johnson's 'Blueprint' is promising starting point for transformative government.”
Rachel Pate, CUE’s Director of Civic Programming, teamed up with our MPC colleagues Kendra Freeman (2019 CUE Fellow) and Chandra Christmas-Rouse (2023 CUE Fellow) to shape this op-ed. We thank them for their hard work combining Niketa’s and Darlene’s voices for this timely response.
Meet the CUE Fellows who served on transition subcommittees and the Fellows currently serving in Mayor Johnson’s administration.