#ForewordFriday Planning as if People Matter

The environmental justice movement is closely tied to urban planning and development. But, while planners and urban designers have made great strides in embracing the sustainability movement, social justice issues have not been getting the same attention. Of the three "e"s of sustainable planning—environment, economics, and equity—equity is the one most often left behind. This week's selection for #forewordFriday is from the new book by Thomas W. Sanchez and Marc Brenman, Planning as if People Matter. It provides advice and practical applications for better integrating the "third e" of equity into the planning process. They call for "a reinvigorated and expanded context for public planning with respect to civil rights and social justice." They argue that given the changing demographics of our cities and the increasing number of people living in low-income communities, it is a critical time to assure that equity issues are considered carefully in the planning process. Enjoy!