How to Make Sure City Budgets Prioritize Racial Equity
Budgets reflect cities’ values. Places like Austin, Louisville and Fairfax County are trying new approaches to consider equity in spending plans.
Illustrator: Lyubov Ivanova/iStock via Getty Images
Since the Covid-19 pandemic swept through the U.S., the effects have been swift and devastating. As sections of the country have shut down to stem transmission of the virus, so have entire economies. The impact goes way beyond businesses and corporations. Cities and counties are suffering budget shortfalls and deficits in the tens of millions of dollars, while some states are reporting shortfalls in the billions.
Yet with the pandemic still in full force, there is a greater need for spending on messaging, emergency and preventative health care, medical and safety equipment, and emergency food, housing and income support.