Overview

The Center for Equity Practice and Regional Planning Justice is dedicated to expanding opportunities for historically marginalized communities by addressing the deep-rooted patterns of racial segregation in urban and regional planning. Our mission is to dismantle these systems that perpetuate inequality and to develop equitable practices that foster inclusive, healthy, and sustainable neighborhoods.

Through innovative research, collaboration, and community engagement, the center focuses on addressing disparities in housing, transportation, economic development, public health, and education. By providing actionable strategies and resources, we aim to transform segregated regions like Milwaukee into thriving, equitable communities for all residents.

A vital Resource

The Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice will serve as a resource hub for community organizations, government agencies and urban planners striving to deconstruct racially segregated placemaking. Activities will include public forums on equitable economic development and research initiatives focused on zoning reforms, transportation justice and other areas of concern for marginalized communities.

Partners

The center is supported by key partners and community leaders committed to advancing equity and social justice. Collaborations among partners will help drive the center’s research, outreach and advocacy efforts to create more equitable planning practices throughout the region.

View List of Partners

Academic
School of Architecture & Urban Planning, UW-Milwaukee
Urban Studies Program, UW-Milwaukee

Advocacy & Community
1000 Friends of Wisconsin
The Redress Movement
Walnut Way

Communications
Wisconsin Public Radio

Community Wealth Building
Democracy Collaborative
Milwaukee Land Trust

Education & Youth Development
Educational Policy and Leadership, College of Education, Marquette University

Environment
Sierra Club

Equity & Inclusion
Office of Equity – Milwaukee County
Office of the County Executive – Milwaukee County
Office of Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Office of the Mayor – City of Milwaukee

Health & Wellbeing
Health Department – City of Milwaukee
Joseph J. Zilber College of Public Health, UW-Milwaukee
Medical College of Wisconsin

Housing
Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council

Philanthropy
Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Planning & Development
Wisconsin American Planning Association
Department of City Development – City of Milwaukee

Regional Planning
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

In the Media

New UWM center aims to confront discrimination in urban planning, policies
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | La Risa R. Lynch | October 20024

Leaders gather to celebrate launch of UWM Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice
UWM Report | Becky Lang | October 2024

‘Planners are dreamers’: UW-Milwaukee launches equity center for urban planning
Wisconsin Public Radio | Mackenzie Krumme | October 2024

New bid to expand I-94 follows a painful legacy for Black and Hispanic communities
Wisconsin Public Radio | onah Beleckis | February 2024

Get Involved

We invite individuals, organizations, and communities passionate about promoting equity to join us in this critical work. Here’s how you can participate:

  • Collaborate with Us: Whether you’re a scholar, community leader, or practitioner, the Center welcomes partnerships to advance our mission. Share your expertise and work with us to address key urban and regional challenges.
  • Attend Our Events: Participate in public forums, workshops, and educational sessions that focus on creating equitable planning practices. Stay updated on upcoming events by joining our mailing list. (Hyperlinked)
  • Support the Center: Your contributions help us sustain critical research, community programs, and educational initiatives. Contact Ana Conant to discuss ways you can support our work: conant@uwm.edu

Contact

Dr. Kirk Harris

Founding Director
Center for Equity Practice & Planning Justice
ceppj-sarup@uwm.edu