News in “Commentary”

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Learning to Be Accountable for Anti-Racist Impact

By Vrunda Vaghela The Strong, Prosperous, and Resilient Communities Challenge (SPARCC) is a multiyear initiative investing in and amplifying local efforts in six regions to ensure that public investments in the built environment reduce racial disparities, build a culture of health, and respond to the climate crisis. The initiative’s long-term goal is to change the […]

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On Juneteenth We Must Celebrate Radical and Revolutionary Joy

What often gets lost in the commemoration of Juneteenth is that it is a celebration. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or Liberation Day, communities across this country have embraced this day through dance, song, art, and festivals. These celebrations remind us of what those last enslaved Blacks in Galveston, Texas must have felt when they received the news of their emancipation on June 19, 1865: Joy.

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▶️ Chicago’s ETOD Plan: How communities, government and developers united

Through an unprecedented process involving deep community engagement and cross-sector collaboration, the City of Chicago recently prepared its first Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Policy Plan. There are many lessons and insights applicable to other cities and regions. This webinar will delve into what it took to create the plan, recognizing that a lot of the work […]

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An Open Letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Dear Secretary Pete: Congratulations to you and your leadership team from the many partners involved with the Strong Prosperous and Resilient Communities Challenge (SPARCC). We represent a diverse range of community leaders, transportation advocates, government agencies, community development and public health investors, and climate justice advocates working across the country to create more equitable, healthy, […]

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In Response to Increased Violence Against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders

SPARCC categorically condemns the recent horrific acts of violence that have targeted the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Our work in six metropolitan regions is deeply connected to the work of AAPI organizers, leaders, and communities. We act in solidarity with the AAPI community, now and always.   According to an analysis conducted by the Center for […]

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