DEMOGRAPHY IS DESTINY Metro Boston is changing. These demographic trends will have huge impacts on the region in decades to come, and the face of the region in 2030 will look substantially different than it did in 2010. DIVIDED WE FALL Inequitable income distribution and highly segregated residential patterns not only harm individuals throughout their lives, but hinder Metro Boston’s potential for equitable growth and prosperity. They are also systematic factors that underpin or exacerbate many of the other findings in this report. The MetroFuture region is one where: A wider • diversity of housing types are built in all of the region’s communities (Goal #16), helping to combat racial/ ethnic and income-based segregation (Goal #15), Historically disadvantaged communities are healthier, with increased • access to healthy food (Goal #24), green space (Goal #23), better air quality (Goal #22) and medical care (Goal #26), Healthy and convenient transportation options • are available throughout the region, particularly in traditionally under- served areas (Goal #44). All of the region’s residents are equipped with all of the • tools they need to succeed in today’s economy (Goal #29), and resources for small businesses and first-time homeowners will help many build wealth for future generations (Goal #38). The State of Equity is the first report in MAPC’s Regional Indicators program, which establishes a baseline for our equity-related indicators and will track the region’s progress towards its goals. The full report, along with policy recommendations and a website, will be released later in 2011. This handout contains the report’s preliminary findings. What is the State of Equity in Metro Boston? 1 We credit King County, Washington, a pioneer in integrating the social justice and equity perspective into a government agency’s work, with this definition. An equitable region, where “all people have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to attain their full potential” is one featuring a diverse labor force prepared for the region’s knowledge economy; healthy residents and low health care costs; and communities where people of different ages, incomes, races and ethnicities have real options to live, work, learn and play side by side. MetroFuture, the region’s plan for growth through the year 2030, directs us to achieve this vision by eliminating unfair, preventable, and systematic differences between groups that not only harm individuals and families, but threaten the vibrancy of our region. The region is increasingly foreign-born Income inequality is high in Metro Boston, and it’s growing The region is highly segregated Our regressive tax structure worsens income inequality Our population is aging The youngest among us are our most diverse residents www.mapc.org • Metropolitan Area Planning Council • www.metrofuture.org