Edited by M. Paloma Pavel, PhD, Foreword by Carl Anthony
Published by MIT Press, August 2009

The emerging metropolitan regional equity movement promotes innovative policies to ensure that all communities in a metropolitan region share resources and opportunities equally. Too often, low-income communities and communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of pollution and lack access to basic infrastructure and job opportunities. The metropolitan regional equity movement -- sometimes referred to as a new civil rights movement -- works for solutions to these problems that take into account entire metropolitan regions: the inner city core, the suburbs, and exurban areas. This book describes current efforts to create sustainable communities with attention to the “triple bottom line”: economy, environment, and equity and argues that these three interests are mutually reinforcing.

On January 24, ABAG, the Association of Bay Area Governments, invited Carl Anthony and Dr. Paloma Pavel to speak at the David Brower Center, about their new book BREAKTHROUGH COMMUNITIES.  It was a great turnout and fashioned powerful dialogue.  Carl has always been one to talk about what needs to be said.  He believes it is time to address the reshaping of America’s racial landscape thru climate change and land use strategies.  Each of us has our own particular strengths, and we must use these to best mobilize all people in recognizing the most vulnerable populations. Even with our mistakes, we have come a long way and accomplished monumental changes to be where we are today.

Vitally important now, is to take huge steps in consciously committing to not do further damage.  We need to increase civic engagement in communities of color.  We need to develop opportunities for multiracial leadership and build a knowledge base linking best practices.  There is a relationship between social justice and green house gas reduction.  Sustainability IS social justice and we need to look through a lens of regional equity.  The Urban Land Institute (ULI) says that two thirds of development expected by 2050 is not yet built.  By the year 2042 people of color will be the majority. What an opportunity we have to implement change...NOW.  Envision mixed income communities with schools that encourage, even demand, civic participation. Fair housing and adequate public health access must be close to public transportation, to employment centers and to open spaces.  This requires communication strategies reaching out to all sectors.  Read this book, you will be encouraged and realize there are tools and there is HOPE.  We are the ones we have been waiting for!

Carl Anthony, President of Earth Island Institute from 1991-1997, has a long history of civic involvement.  His strategic partnership with Dr. Paloma Pavel , Founder of Earth House will prove to build clarity not around what we say NO to, but what we say YES to!  Here is another opportunity to experience these powerful voices:

(Please visit:  www.womensfacultyclub.com/direction.html for directions.)

             RSVP  510-652-2425