What is an

Equity Framework?

What is an Equity Framework?

The Equity Framework for Grand River corridor revitalization (Equity Framework) will serve as a guiding document for residents, policymakers, advocates, city/county departments, philanthropy, and others that includes common language, shared goals, and strategies aimed at embedding equity as part of the significant pending investment into the revitalization of the Grand River corridor.

The Framework content was informed and developed by the community, with the assistance of a local advisory committee. The Framework also identified private, public, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners who play a key role in the restoration in and along the Grand River. The Framework reflected past community input as well as incorporated new feedback as a part of this project’s public engagement.

Why is it needed?

The Grand River restoration effort proposes to bring ecological, economic, and cultural activity back into and around our waterway. The revitalization initiative presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure future river-related programming, policies, and infrastructure benefit all Grand Rapidians, with a focus on those that have been disproportionately impacted by racial, environmental, economic, and other forms of injustice.

The COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic recession, and our country’s ongoing racial reckoning have brought equity to the forefront of local and national conversation. Without: 1) creating a shared understanding of what “equity” means in the context of river corridor revitalization; and 2) intentionally bringing meaningful equity considerations into decision making, we risk perpetuating the same inequities.

How is it used?

The Equity Framework is a guiding document that establishes common definitions for equity and identifies goals and strategies that leverage Grand River corridor revitalization efforts to drive equitable outcomes. The document will be used by residents, policymakers, advocates, city/county departments, philanthropy, and others as a roadmap to help guide future investment along the River. The Framework will also direct the work of an emerging nonprofit - Grand River Network - that will serve as the backbone agency who will facilitate the implementation of the community’s vision for a revitalized Grand River that welcomes everyone who lives in and visits our community.

What the Equity Framework includes:

  1. Baseline definitions for equity,[1] accessibility, racial justice,[2] environmental justice,[3] and other key words and principles related to the river revitalization initiative

  2. Vision Statement, and Values that guide the community’s ambitions for the revitalization of the river corridor and how to realize meaningful outcomes

    a.     A Vision Statement reveals our aspirations for the River’s future - it should be inspirational and challenge us to move beyond the status quo

    b.     Values reflect our community’s core principles that guide decision-making and establish a standard against which actions will be assessed 

  3. High-level Goal Areas supported by specific Strategies and Actions

    a.     Goals are broad, aspirational statements of what we want to achieve

    b.     Strategies are approaches that we may take to achieve a goal

    c.     Actions are specific policies, programs, or tools that may be used to support a strategy

    d.     Priority Outcomes are our community’s resolution to improve.

  4. Potential Metrics for measuring progress and accountability 

    a.     Metrics are quantifiable measures to track, monitor, and assess progress on different actions

    b.     Metrics will be aggregated into a dashboard or third-party “report card” that will be published for purposes of transparency and accountability

  5. Recommendations for a potential oversight body to track progress on the contents of the Framework

  6. The opportunity for adoption or commitment to implementation from local agencies or organizations

What the Equity Framework does not include:

  • Recommendations or prioritization of proposed projects

  • Any funding plans for river projects

  • Feasibility analyses for proposed projects or programs

  • Mandated or required actions for the City, County, public agencies, local organizations, or business communities

  • A master plan for river corridor redevelopment or more specific/detailed issue-focused strategic action plans

Examples of Equity Frameworks

Equity Frameworks are not “one-size-fits all.”

  1. Some Frameworks establish common definitions for equity and relevant terms;

  2. Others provide guidance to organizations seeking to incorporate equity considerations into ongoing operations;

  3. Others identify projects, policies, or actions an organization (or organizations) may take utilizing an equity lens;

  4. Others include a combination thereof.

Relevant examples can include:


[1] The City of Grand Rapids defines equity as, “the condition achieved when people have the tools, resources and connections necessary to be fully engaged and prepared to benefit from the opportunities they seek.” (City of Grand Rapids Strategic Plan) Other agencies, organizations, or stakeholders may have a different definition.

[2] The City of Grand Rapids defines racial justice as, a condition “when one’s race or ethnicity does not determine, in a statistical sense, how one experiences opportunity, power and life outcomes.” (City of Grand Rapids Strategic Plan) Other agencies, organizations, or stakeholders may have a different definition.  

[3] “Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” (US EPA Environmental Justice)