Join us for our SPP Research Seminar Series!
Speakers: Juan Pablo Martinez Guzman (Assistant Research Professor, School of Public Policy, UMD), Meagan M. Jordan (Associate Professor, School of Public Service, Old Dominion University) and Phil Joyce (Professor and Senior Associate Dean, School of Public Policy, UMD)
Abstract: While there is a developing consensus that it is important for governments to address racial disparities and systemic racism, government budget processes normally have not provided policymakers with information on how particular policies affect different racial groups and have thus not promoted resource allocation to address racism and disparities. This paper uses critical race theory to inform ways in which budgets might focus more explicitly on issues of race and other areas for inclusion. It discusses how practices such as gender budgeting and participatory budgeting might inform such an approach; describes efforts underway in various U.S. jurisdictions; and suggests ways that might move practices beyond these nascent efforts in order to promote equitable budgeting through an inclusive lens. The focus will be on both what kinds of information might be necessary to promote such an approach and the action steps that might be used to encourage a more equitable allocation of resources.