HOUSTON – The City of Houston is launching the Equity Indicators project by asking for your comments to one important question: What makes a community equitable?
Houston is the most diverse city in the nation, but despite the strength of our diversity and multiculturalism, Houstonians experience vast racial and ethnic disparities. The Equity Indicators Project will facilitate broader conversations on equity and inclusion, take active steps to measure disparities, and have leaders across multiple sectors be held accountable for taking action to increase equitable outcomes for all Houstonians.
The city is seeking feedback from community members to ensure that this project is reflective of Houston’s diversity and multiculturalism. Visit houstontx.gov/equity to share your thoughts on what makes a community equitable between March 6 until April 2.
“In a city where 146 languages are spoken, we must use every tool possible to ensure that every Houstonian’s voice is being heard,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This survey is a direct, impactful way to participate in making the city, its services, and its opportunities more accessible to people regardless of their background.”
The Equity Indicators project is led by the Planning and Development Department, Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability, and Complete Communities, and ties to the vision and framework for a resilient community outlined in the Resilient Houston strategy. The city has partnered with Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research using the methodology developed by CUNY- Institute for State & Local Governance to focus on key indicators for equity in Houston. The Shell Foundation has funded this initiative that focuses on six themes:
- Economic opportunity
- Health
- Public Safety
- Environmental and Climate Risks
- Built Environment
- Access and Inclusion
The data analysis will result in an overall Equity Indicators Score for the City of Houston. The public, city departments, city programs, and community service organizations can track the score to document progress and change over time. The numerical value is based on a 100-point scale. A high score signifies Houston’s level of success toward building an equitable city, whereas a low score represents a high level of inequity and more opportunity for improvement.
A printed survey card will also be available at city locations. Houstonians with questions or needing assistance filling out the survey may call 832-393-6637. For more information, visit Equity Indicators online at www.houstontx.gov/equity.
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