Race, Democracy and the Future of Planning
In honor of Black History Month, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning hosted a virtual panel discussion to reflect on and learn about the ways planning practice has evolved in the almost two years since the murder of George Floyd. We are interested in understanding how and where calls to action following Floyd’s murder have informed meaningful progress toward racial justice, and where they have not. The panel was intended to generate a more nuanced understanding of what planning has to contribute in this moment, while reflecting on how ongoing social and ecological crises require planning itself to transform.
Panelists included:
- Katanya Raby, Director of Planning, Far South Community Development Corporation
- Lacey Rains Lowe, Senior Planner for Advanced Planning, City of Champaign
- Kevin Garcia, Planning Supervisor, City of Urbana
- Dr. Angela Ward, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Engagement, Champaign Unit 4 School District
- Sheldon Turner, Coordinator for Operation Hope, Champaign Unit 4 School District
A recording of the discussion may be found here.