Equity and Opportunity Assessment Process
The Equity and Opportunity Assessment included five major process steps. Hoover on each step for more detail.
- Identify Key Issues and Data. Individual interviews with agencies participating in the Lane Livability Consortium and other community partners provided a baseline understanding of how each stakeholder agency approaches equity and access issues, related plans and analyses, potential sources of data and applications, and an understanding of desired outcomes for the Assessment. A total of nine interviews were conducted that included 58 participants from governmental jurisdictions, affordable housing providers, school districts, transportation agencies, and United Way of Lane County. In addition, a review of how equity and access issues are currently addressed within area plans was completed.
- Data Selection, Mapping, and Analysis. The Assessment drew upon regional data resources to: 1) compose a broad understanding of where different groups of people live within our community; 2) identify how jobs, schools, and services are distributed through the region; and 3) uncover disparities in access and opportunity. Each stage of engagement with stakeholders provided further feedback resulting in greater refinement of the data sets and analysis.
- Engage and Interpret Data. Through two multi‐agency interactive workshops, 48 participants from over 20 agencies considered mapped data and analysis by identifying key trends, questions, conclusions, and possible applications to policies, programs, and investments. Workshop meetings included interdisciplinary representatives of jurisdictions, schools, housing organizations, transportation agencies, public health, agencies representing vulnerable populations, and local funders. Based on these workshops, additional data was gathered to more completely describe access to opportunities.
- Community Consultations. Following the initial review and interpretation of data, stakeholder agencies identified opportunities for presentation, discussion and feedback from community stakeholder boards and commissions (i.e. Housing Policy Board, the Eugene Human Rights Commission, and Eugene and Springfield Planning Commissions). Where possible, consultations leveraged existing networks, forums, and gathering places. Qualitative needs and perspectives were also gathered through the Latino Public Participation and Community Indicators Project and the Equity and Opportunity Assessment of Affordable Housing Residents.
- Identify Key Investments and Apply Findings. Another step in the Assessment process identified applications of the EOA to enhance equity, access, and opportunity to specific issue areas. The Core Team worked with lead staff and agencies in the areas of land use and trans1ortation; affordable housing, community development, and human services; economic development; and health to organize each workshop. Four workshops were held with a total of 64 participants. These workshops generated specific ideas for applying the findings of the analysis to plans, policies, investments, and public engagement strategies.
- Develop final maps, analysis recommendations and report. The final step in the process was the synthesis of the quantitative data, qualitative data, and community needs into a final set of maps and report. During this phase additional consultation occurred with multiple agencies to identify and refine recommendations and applications.