How Can We Make Urban Planning More Just? Introducing the Community Justice Index

Recognizing the absence of restorative justice principles in urban planning, Public Works Partners created the Community Justice Index, a three-part framework for more just community-based planning. Among the first efforts to integrate restorative justice principles into urban planning, the Community Justice Index embeds repair, reconciliation, and trauma-informed approaches directly into planning processes.

The Community Justice Index framework begins with the co-creation of a set of visions for what a just city or region looks like. These visions, which comprise the Community Justice Index, are not merely about identifying shortcomings but also about centering strengths-based restorative practices. After the co-creation process, the visions are transformed into specific and actionable restorative justice planning strategies, which leverage equitable and trauma-informed approaches to meet community needs. Lastly, clear and actionable justice metrics are co-developed with community members and practitioners to ensure that the restorative justice planning strategies are thoughtfully and sustainably implemented. 

A first-of-its-kind community-centered approach to urban planning, the Community Justice Index has the tremendous power to right historical wrongs and build just cities and neighborhoods. Check out our one-pager to learn more and elevate your restorative-justice-informed planning!