The City of Dallas is expanding its focus on environmental justice as part of its broader equity efforts.
City leaders announced last week the increase Stock Metrics Report.
“It’s clear that we can’t achieve equity without a focus on environmental justice and what that means for all of our residents,” said Lindsey Wilson, director of equity and inclusion in Dallas.
At the sixth annual Equity Indicators Symposium on Friday, local and national speakers held a panel discussion that explored how equity is evolving in Dallas, particularly through an environmental justice lens. The city revisited feedback it collected from environmental committees, elected officials and residents in 2019, elevating environmental justice to a separate topic in the report.
Recent initiatives in Dallas reflect this focus, including projects such as mapping urban heat islands to address overheating in the downtown area and planting trees to create a cooler, more livable city.
“With more trees, people will be able to breathe,” Parks and Recreation Director John Jenkins said. “Meaning, put a tree so some people have an opportunity to walk in a safe place and get that exercise.”
Other indicators include public health, education, communities and infrastructure. Local nonprofits like Forest Forward are gaining attention for their work in revitalizing South Dallas.
“Last year, we worked with our bondholders to return nearly $90 million to Dallas,” said Vicki Allen, chief information officer of the Dallas Foundation. “I’m excited to be a part of something that excites me. pleasure.”
The Equity Indicators report not only provides policy recommendations but also details how city departments deliver day-to-day services and allocate resources.
“Events like today not only allow us to collaborate with each other, but they also contribute to our efforts to close the gap and better understand what we need to do as a city,” Wilson said.
Zara Amaechi is a Marjorie Welch Fitts Louis Fellow at KERA, where she studies race and social justice issues. Any tips? Email Zara: zamaechi@kera.org. You can follow her on X @amaechizara.
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