21.8 Equity Planning: The Legacy of Norman Krumholz

As the Cleveland City Planner during the 1960s, Professor Norman Krumholz confronted the problems of poverty, racism, widespread unemployment, neighborhood decline, and high crime rates. To address these problems, Krumholz introduced an innovative approach to city planning, coined “equity planning”.

He moved away from traditional corporate-focused urban renewal projects to prioritizing the needs of residents, such as affordable housing, public transportation, and quality urban education. “It is not enough for cities to be beautiful and efficient,” he wrote. “They could, and should, be just and fair as well, and planners should work toward human betterment.”

We can define the term equity planning as a city planning approach focused on ensuring that resources, opportunities, and benefits are distributed fairly across all communities.

Professor Krumholz’s emphasis on equity planning resonated with city planners across the country, fostering a new generation of public service leaders. He went on to teach for 40 years at Levin College at CSU. His influence is particularly evident in his protégé, Chris Ronayne, who currently serves as County Executive of Cuyahoga County. Ronayne recalls Krumholz’s advice: “Get out of the cube and apply yourself because a planner’s place isn’t at a desk. It’s in the community.” Krumholz’s legacy continues through his students and the foundational principles he established in Cleveland.

If you’d like to learn more about the planning professor, contact your professor or Dr. Beth Nagy. Also, check out the school’s BA in community planning and Master of Urban Planning and Development program.