UWM launches Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice

MILWAUKEE_The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Arts & Architecture is proud to announce the official launch of the Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice.

The center, housed within UWM’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning, is dedicated to addressing the lasting impact of racially segregated placemaking, with a particular focus on Milwaukee. The city has been consistently ranked as one of the most segregated cities in the United States.

A news conference to celebrate the launch will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at UWM. Details are below.

The center is directed by Dr. Kirk Harris, UWM faculty member of urban planning and a leading advocate for equity-driven planning. The center will focus on dismantling the systemic patterns of segregation that continue to shape Milwaukee and other urban areas. The center’s mission is to advance equity-driven urban and regional planning practices to create socially and economically sustainable communities.

“The unresolved effects of racial segregation continue to harm communities,” Harris said. “The work of the center is vital to developing solutions that address these systemic issues and foster sustainable, inclusive urban growth.”

A vital resource for change

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.

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

A news conference and reception will be held to celebrate the launch of the Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Marcus Commons in UWM’s School of Architecture & Urban Planning, located at 2131 E. Hartford Ave.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice Director Dr. Kirk Harris
• Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
• Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
• UWM Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Andrew Daire

Members of the media are invited to the event. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Harris at keharris@uwm.edu.

Following brief remarks, there will be an extended program with strategic partners, and a reception with opportunities for media to interact with key stakeholders and community leaders.

More information on the Center’s mission and future initiatives can be found on the Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice webpage.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.