Participatory Planning for Environmental Justice

Urban planning historically has contributed to harm for environmental justice communities, marginalizing voices rather than inviting meaningful partnership. This research project explored implementation of Sherry Arnstein’s “Ladder of Participation” (1969) to redistribute power to environmental justice communities. Focusing on participatory models which emphasize the assets that communities bring to the table, this project concludes with recommendations for municipal planners to consider positionality to community engagement and framework for assessment.