Advancing Equitable City Planning and Decision-Making
The YWCA advocates and champions equitable policy development and decision-making across municipalities in Metro Vancouver and beyond.
By advocating for equitable cities, we strive to create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, contributing to a more just and vibrant society for all. By adopting an equity-lens in decision making, cities can:
- Empowers underrepresented communities by ensuring their voices help shape local policies
- Dismantles systemic barriers, fostering a more just society for everyone
- Enhances quality of life through equal access to amenities, programs and services, especially essential services
- Promotes sustainable development that benefits all neighbourhoods
- Inspires civic engagement, encouraging residents to advocate for their needs
- Strengthens community bonds, fostering a sense of belonging
- Our initiatives provide essential resources that deliver actionable steps for promoting equity and inclusion within municipalities
- Through workshops and educational programs, we challenge traditional assumptions and encourage cities to integrate diverse perspectives into their planning processes
- We partner with and support municipalities in implementing frameworks and piloting projects that prioritize an equitable lens in municipal planning
- By employing a participant-centered approach and utilizing advisory councils, we bridge the gap for individuals with lived experiences, ensuring their insights inform advocacy and government relations efforts
Let's make cities work for all
YWCA City Shift is advocating for local governments to be bold in their pursuit of gender equity.
Read our policy priorities
One of our key policy area is to advance equitable city planning and decision-making.
Our advocacy is intersectional, evidence-based and grounded in the belief that when women and families are supported and empowered, entire communities thrive. It is guided by the people we serve and informed by the expertise of frontline employees.
