Diversity and Equity

Resource List

• APA’s Position on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Resolutions

• APA Minnesota
• Hennepin County
• Ramsey County
• City of Minneapolis
• MN House of Representatives
• MN Doctors for Health Equity
• Star Tribune Editorial Board

Resources

• APA Planning for Equity Policy Guide
• APA Diversity & Equity Strategy
• APA Equity Knowledge Base
• Government Alliance on Race & Equity

Articles

• Changing Planning Practices to Honor George Floyd - 
• A Call to Courage
• Six Ways Planners Can Help Communities Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap

Videos

• Jim Crow of the North
• Voices of Equity in Planning
• How Do We Respond to Anti-Black Racism in Urbanist Practices

Podcasts

• The Urban Planners Podcast

Rising Above - Statement from the APA MN Chapter DEI Committee
May 2025

The APA Minnesota Board of Directors affirms the following statement drafted by the APA Minnesota Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

The DEI Committee of the APA MN Chapter wants to make a formal statement regarding the current state of our nation. We aim to support all members during this trying time, regardless of political affiliation or background, as we share common humanity and our planet. We want to provide the Minnesota planning community with words of acknowledgment and encouragement for the years ahead.

To us, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are part of a greater purpose to support human rights. This includes access to clean water, safe and quality shelter, food, and dignity in this complex world we are born into. Today, in 2025, people are still being targeted for discrimination and continue to be systematically marginalized just for existing. Our goal, at minimum, is to facilitate opportunities for everyone to learn, share skills, knowledge, and bring awareness to the ways diverse social and cultural experiences shape our communities. We want you to know we are not staying silent and we will continue supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion especially for those whose human rights have been compromised or are being stripped away. We appreciate the allies who have supported us.

As planners, our primary responsibility—whether AICP-certified or not—is to uphold the public interest. Each of us plays a vital role in shaping communities that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. APA MN remains committed to equity within the chapter and affirms that the AICP Code of Ethics continues to guide and hold the standard of ethical and equitable practices within our work. As a chapter and committee, we will actively pursue initiatives, programming, and best practices that empower planners, advance DEI efforts, and reinforce the fundamental principles of human rights within the communities we serve.

Our committee has compiled a list of actions you can take for the future ahead:

● Practice mindfulness.

● Check in on each other and be honest about the circumstances our country is facing.

● Donate supplies, support causes or those in your community that need assistance.

● Foster awareness and accountability by addressing discrimination when you witness it, including recognizing and challenging microaggressions.

● Be cognizant of projects you're working on and any decisions that may impact systematically marginalized groups. Consider pursuing more equitable community engagement processes that involve diverse members of the community during the project.

● Strengthen allyship through open and honest dialogue to people in your community and to other planners from diverse backgrounds by asking thoughtful questions or engaging in conversations.

● Take the time to continue to learn. There is always room to grow and we encourage you to embrace opportunities for learning about cultural histories and experiences. Whether through reading, watching, listening, or other media. The DEI committee has a list of reading materials and videos that we’ve included on our webpage as a start to deepen understanding about confronting discrimination and fostering equity. Whether you're just beginning this journey or continuing your efforts, expanding your knowledge will empower all of us to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for ourselves and each other.

● Join us at Minnesota Chapter events and learning opportunities to further expand your learning and find connection with other planning professionals.

Please see our work plan for the year and feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns: mnapa.dei@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

APA MN Chapter and DEI Committee Co-chairs, Kendra Ellner and Denetrick Powers

Message from APA MN's Diversity and Equity Committee

January 2023

Dear APA MN members,

There are few words that as co-chairs of the Diversity and Equity Committee we can say to underscore the gravitas of the situation in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Many communities are without transit access, grocery stores, restaurants, and places of community resources. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has already made so many people vulnerable, and now those same people are faced with even more barriers to essential items. As planners we all know how important infrastructure like transit, walkable neighborhoods with businesses and grocery stores and the jobs that those places provide are. Since we don’t feel like there is much we can say, we want to find something we can do. Our committee has put together a list of actions you can do to be involved and give back during this time.

• We hope you will consider donating to causes which give back to those in need, we’ve selected a few that we know are doing great work, but please feel free to choose another.
• We encourage you to find places to donate good and supplies and find out how you can help neighborhood efforts to clean up and rebuild.
• Most importantly, we implore you to take time to learn about how you can be a better ally to people in your community and other planners who may not look like you. We all have room to grow and learn, now is the time. The list of reading materials and videos we’ve included isn’t comprehensive, but it’s a start. Sometime, all we need to do is start.

Our committee will continue to push out resources and opportunities to connect over the next few weeks. Please reach out in the meantime for support and any questions you may have.
 
Thank you for the work that you do,

Kendra Elner, AICP & Denetrick Powers

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About the Diversity and Equity Committee

The Diversity and Equity Committee is tasked with developing and executing an association-wide plan for how we better promote the understanding and practices of diversity and equity, both within and outside the planning community and profession. Check this site for upcoming events and other opportunities to be involved.

Diversity and Equity Committee 2024 Work Plan

Diversity and Equity Committee Co-Chairs:

Kendra Ellner, AICP
Email

Denetrick Powers
Email