One Minute, One Slide: Racial Inequities in Walking & Gateway Cities Walkable TOD

Below is a “One Minute, One Slide” presentation shared by a member of the WalkBoston staff.
Text provided is as prepared for this year’s annual event on September 23, 2020 on Zoom.

Ayesha Mehrotra

Hi, I’m Ayesha Mehrotra. After interning with WalkBoston last year, I’m thrilled to be back this fall working on a few projects that speak to WalkBoston’s commitment to advocating for every community across Massachusetts, and promoting equity through improving the built environment.

Amongst these projects is a report on racial disparities in walkability. In Massachusetts and across the country, neighborhoods with predominantly Black and brown populations tend to be the least walkable, have among the worst health outcomes, and are already bearing the brunt of climate change. All of these factors are related, and the result of decades of racist planning policies. WalkBoston’s report highlights the mechanisms through which these inequities have persisted and makes specific, actionable recommendations to guide communities and decision-makers who wish to address racial justice.

We’re also partnering with MassINC and UMass through a Solomon Foundation grant to conduct walk audits around transit hubs in 5 gateway cities, and make recommendations for improved streetscapes, as well as social infrastructure like open spaces, public art, and storefronts. Better access to transit is core to advancing equity, and we know the best way to do that is to ensure walkability.