Introduction
Sustainability involves making progress in the areas of environment, economy, and equity together. This page focuses on the equity component of sustainability. Equity refers to fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people. Since race is so strongly correlated with health and other outcomes, equity work leads—but does not end—with a focus on race. Racial equity is the process of eliminating racial disparities and improving outcomes for the District by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of residents who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. As a process, it means the elimination of racial disparities so that racial identity is no longer a predictor of opportunities, outcomes, or the distribution of resources for residents of the District, particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color residents. The plain language version of the definition is that racial equity is about improving the lives of residents and communities harmed by racism to strengthen the District as a whole. By advancing equitable outcomes, we create a District that is more fair and just for residents.
DC’s Equity Targets
The District has key equity objectives that are measurable and have specific deadlines, known as targets. They were established through plans and/or legislation.
- Increase the share of minority-owned employer businesses to 33% of all employer businesses by 2028
- Increase economic prosperity in DC by lifting the median household income of Black residents by $25,000 by 2028
Initiative Spotlight: Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator
Through the Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator, the Department of Energy and Environment, DC Sustainable Energy Utility, and the DC Green Bank partner to provide direct technical and financial assistance to multifamily affordable housing buildings to meet energy efficiency requirements. The program aims to help housing units remain affordable, improve health and comfort, and achieve lower utility bills for the owner and residents.
Take Action
Check out the Go Green page for actions you can take to advance equity, including District programs to help you do so.
Related Plans