Toward Spatial Reparations

A Litmus Test for Reparative Planning

The Thrivance Group is rooted in dignity and strongly believes our work in the built-environment should advance various movements toward transformative justice, replacing all carceral processes and institutions with healthy and just interventions, land-back, atonement for racist land-use practices, slavery reparations, and reparations for Black people who continue to be impacted by the legacy of racism and its present-day manifestations.

One of the ways we uphold these values is by introducing our partners to a litmus test for reparative planning:

1. The policy, on its own or in combination with another policy, addresses a specific element of harm identified through research and stakeholder perspectives.

2. The policy or the implementation plan strives to identify a specific and intentional recipient of issue-specific, direct intervention. 

3. The eligibility/qualifying factor does not pose an additional burden or barrier that would contribute to new or additional displacement.

4. The policy and the people who implement the policy intend to create a permanent redress for the impacts of past harmful planning practices.