Social Equity

As cities and counties across Southeast Florida strive to build a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous region, public policy efforts must produce benefits that are shared by all. The Compact recognizes that climate vulnerabilities are exacerbated by inequities and injustice. RCAP 2.0 seeks to address the socioeconomic challenges to building resilience in high-vulnerability communities, often limited-income communities and/or communities of color.

The Compact shares the Southeast Florida Regional Partnership’s definition of equity, as outlined in the Seven50: SE Florida Prosperity Plan:

Equity: Just and fair inclusion. The goals of equity must be to create conditions that allow all individuals and communities to reach their full potential to the benefit of the individual and the larger regional community. An equitable region is one in which all can participate and prosper in their communities and in the regional economy, and where benefits and burdens are shared fairly.

 Within Southeast Florida, individuals, neighborhoods, and communities may experience geographic vulnerability if they have proximity to a current or future hazard (e.g., if they live in a low-lying area prone to flooding or a heat island). These groups have socioeconomic vulnerability if they lack the resources, financial or other, to be able to mitigate the hazard or to move away from it. Many residents within the region’s high-vulnerability communities may have also been left behind by recent economic booms, resulting in increased challenges to achieve the financial stability needed to safely weather more intense storms, heat, and floods fueled by climate change.

Equity should be an integral part of policy making at every level of government within Southeast Florida, and should be understood as a policy objective in developing plans, budgets, and in prioritizing and designing climate projects. Historically disadvantaged communities will continue to be the most vulnerable to climate change threats, unless action is taken to create targeted policies and resources. In addition, efforts to create more resilient and sustainable communities, if not designed thoughtfully, can benefit some residents while harming others. The recommendations within this section represent tangible actions that local governments can take in meeting these responsibilities.