STATE OF EQUITY IN METRO BOSTON2017 Update

February 28, 2017Hibernian Hall, Roxbury

Jessie Partridge

MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region

MetroFuture Equity Goals (a sample)#15: There will be less regional segregation as all municipalities

increasingly reflect Metro Boston’s growing diversity.

#16: Low-income households will be able to find affordable, adequate, conveniently located housing.

#24: Residents in all communities and of all incomes will have access to affordable, healthy food.

#38: More workers of color and immigrant workers will have opportunities to advance on the career ladder, acquire assets, and build wealth.

State of Equity in Metro Boston - 2011

Inequity occurs across life stages, from birth through old age

State of Equity since 2011State of Equity Policy Agenda Key policy and programmatic recommendations to "bend the trends" towards greater regional equity.  

MAPC Equity Action Plan Taking action to advance equity and cultural competency in our organization and beyond. 

http://www.mapc.org/equity-initiatives

regionalindicators.org

What makes an equitable region?

All have equal access to opportunities that enable them to attain their full potential.

A Changing Region: Demographics

Population by Race, Ethnicity and Age2010, MAPC Region

Data Source: 2010 Census, U.S. Census Bureau

Segregation across incomesNeighborhood Median Income by Household Income and

Race/Ethnicity2010-14, Boston-Quincy Metropolitan Division

Data Source: Stanford Center for Education Policy Analysis

Growing income inequalityPercent Change in Average Household Income2006 through 2015, Metro Boston MSA (MA)

Data Source: American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

Generally declining low birth weight

Low Birth Weight by Mother’s Race and Ethnicity and Education

2005-09 and 2010-14, MAPC Region

Data Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Reduced disparities in standardized test scores

10th Grade Math MCAS Scores of Proficient or Advanced

2008-09 and 2013-14, MAPC Region

Data Source: Massachusetts Department Elementary and Secondary Education

Declining exclusionary discipline rates

Out of School Suspensions2005-06 through 2015-16, MAPC Region

Data Source: Massachusetts DepartmentElementary and Secondary Education

Declining incarceration ratesMassachusetts Department of Corrections Jurisdiction

Population, as a Percent of Total Population by Race and Ethnicity

2010 through 2016, Massachusetts

Data Source: Massachusetts Department ofCorrections Inmate Characteristics by Race/Ethnicity

Disparate labor force participation

Labor Force Participation Rate by Educational Attainment

2008 through 2015, Metro Boston MSA

Data Source: American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Some college or associate’s degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent

Less than a high school diploma

Large gaps in unemploymentUnemployment Rate by Group

2011-15, MAPC Region

Data Source: American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate, U.S. Census Bureau

Cost burden most severe for older adults

Cost Burden by Age and Owner or Renter Status2011-15, Metro Boston MSA

Data Source: American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate, U.S. Census Bureau

Conclusions

• Inequity remains significant and is growing across many measures

• Some disparities are closing

• Policy interventions can help

• The work must continue

Thank you!

Jessie PartridgeResearch Analyst II & Data Engagement Specialist

jpartridge@mapc.org

#soeupdate17

Panel Discussion• Jeanette Huezo, United for a Fair Economy, Executive Director• Kim Janey, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Senior Project

Director• Dr. W.W. Sanouri Ursprung, MA Department of Public Health,

Acting Director of Statistics and Evaluation• Moderated by Marc Draisen, Metropolitan Area Planning

Council, Executive Director

#soeupdate17