A vibrant evening sky shines over the city of Milwaukee skyline.

The Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice is dedicated to expanding opportunities for historically marginalized communities by addressing the deep-rooted patterns of racial segregation in urban and regional planning. Our mission is to dismantle these systems that perpetuate inequality and to develop equitable practices that foster inclusive, healthy, and sustainable neighborhoods.

Through innovative research, collaboration, and community engagement, the center focuses on addressing disparities in housing, transportation, economic development, public health, and education. By providing actionable strategies and resources, we aim to transform segregated regions like Milwaukee into thriving, equitable communities for all residents.

Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice
Dr. Kirk Harris, Founding Director
Kirk Harris
Learn more about Dr. Kirk Harris

A Vital Resource Hub

The Center for Equity Practice and Planning Justice serves as a resource hub for community organizations, government agencies and urban planners striving to deconstruct racially segregated placemaking. Activities include public forums on equitable economic development and research initiatives focused on zoning reforms, transportation justice and other areas of concern for marginalized communities.

Professor Kirk Harris addresses a room of community leaders.
The Milwaukee mayor addresses a crowd at the formal launch of the center.
Professor Kirk Harris shakes the hand of UWM Provost Andrew Daire in front of a room of community leaders.
Professor Kirk Harris shakes the hand of a community leader in front of a room of community leaders.
A community leader raises her hand to address the room.

Advancing Equity Through Innovative Practice

“Advancing Equity Through Innovative Practice” is a research-driven podcast created by Master of Urban Planning students in Race, Class and the Just City, a course taught by Dr. Kirk Harris, founding director of the center. The podcast explores issues that directly align with the focus of the Center for Equity Practice & Planning Justice.

Collective Action: Renters and the Power to Claim Community When You Do Not Own

Collective Action: Renters and the Power to Claim Community When You Do Not Own

Edain Altamirano, Organizing Director, Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia (United Renters for Justice)

Farming as Reclamation: 
A Conversation with Martice and Amy Scales

Farming as Reclamation: A Conversation with Martice and Amy Scales

Martice Scales, Co-Founder and Farm Manager of Full Circle Healing Farm and Apothocary

Amy Kroll-Scales, Co-Founder and Healing Center Manager of Full Circle Healing and Apothocary

Highways and Harm: Unpacking Environmental Injustice in Communities of Color

Highways and Harm: Unpacking Environmental Injustice in Communities of Color

Dennis M Grzezinski, an environmental lawyer and advocate in Wisconsin

Passionate about promoting equity?


Here’s how you can join us in this critical work.

Collaborate with Us
Whether you’re a scholar, community leader or practitioner, the Center welcomes partnerships to advance our mission. Share your expertise and work with us to address key urban and regional challenges.
Become a Partner
Attend Our Events
Participate in public forums, workshops and educational sessions that focus on creating equitable planning practices. Our events are designed to foster dialogue and inspire collaborative action.
SARUP Lectures & Events
Support the Center
Your contributions help us sustain critical research, community programs and educational initiatives. Contact Director of Development Ana Conant to discuss ways you can support our work.
Email: conant@uwm.edu

In The Media

Voices of Equity in Planning

Equity Does Not Happen By Accident

The American Planning Association invited Dr. Kirk Harris to participate in “Voices of Equity,” a video series featuring planners who have been centering equity in their work to correct racial injustice, mitigate disparity, and improve the quality of life for marginalized people in all communities. In “Equity Doesn’t Happen by Accident,” Dr. Harris helps explain equity practice by emphasizing that planners must be aware of the historical structures, institutions, and policies that perpetuate racial inequalities, and organize themselves to resist those structures or risk being complicit in the process.