NYC Commission on Racial Equality - file photo
NYC Commission on Racial Equality
NYC Commission on Racial Equality - file photo
The NYC Commission on Racial Equity has launched a citywide series of community engagement and listening sessions to gather public input on the first-ever draft of New York City’s Racial Equity Plan. Kicking off in Brooklyn,during Community Board 5 meeting, in East New York, these sessions invite residents, advocates, and stakeholders to help shape policies addressing disparities in housing, health, education, economic opportunity, and public safety—ensuring community voices directly influence the City’s $127 billion budget and long-term equity strategy.
NEW YORK, NY — Wednesday, April 22, the NYC Commission on Racial Equity will officially kick off a citywide community engagement and listening session series to gather public feedback on the release of the first-ever draft of New York City’s Racial Equity Plan—a landmark step toward advancing fairness, accountability, and justice across all city systems. This will take place in partnership with Community Board 5, and held at 127 Pennsylvania Ave, Brooklyn, NY on the 3rd floor.
The inaugural session will bring residents, advocates, and stakeholders together to ensure that community voices are not only heard—but centered. This historic moment represents a shift in how policy is shaped in New York City. The Commission’s approach places community members in the driver’s seat, empowering New Yorkers to directly influence the priorities that will help guide the City’s $127 billion budget. “This is about more than policy—it’s about power, community power” said Linda Tigani, Chairperson for the Commission. “For the first time, New Yorkers have the opportunity to help shape a Racial Equity Plan that reflects the lived realities of our communities. This process ensures that the people most impacted by inequities have a direct role in defining the solutions.”
The Racial Equity Plan—mandated under New York City law—aims to address long-standing disparities across housing, health, education, economic opportunity, and public safety. The release of its draft marks a critical milestone, but the Commission emphasizes that the plan’s strength depends on robust, community-driven input.
The April 22nd session will serve as the first of several engagements designed to:
- Gather community insight on key racial equity priorities
- Identify gaps and opportunities within the draft plan
- Ensure alignment between community needs and citywide resource allocation
- Build transparency and trust in how decisions are made
Time: 5:30PM
Where: Community Board 5 General Meeting
Location: 127 Pennsylvania Ave, Brooklyn, NY on the 3rd floor.
Community Board 5’s meeting provides a vital platform for this dialogue, reinforcing the importance of local voices in shaping citywide policy. Advocates, residents, and community leaders are strongly encouraged to participate in the engagement process and contribute to a plan that will help define the future of equity in New York City.
