OPPI and Black Planners and Urbanists Association partner to advance diversity, equity, and inclusioN

As part of this partnership, OPPI will provide financial support to BPUA, enabling the organization to organize events and activities that align with its goals, and to assist its members in attending key industry events. By investing in these opportunities, this partnership aims to empower Black professionals to expand their networks, access valuable professional development, and contribute to planning practices that more accurately reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

In turn, BPUA will support OPPI’s ongoing efforts to address systemic, anti-Black racism within the planning profession through the development of educational resources for professional planners and the identification of ways to increase visibility of the contributions of Black planners to the profession.

“OPPI is proud to partner with BPUA in support of their vital work to enhance access and opportunities for the Black community within the planning profession,” says Claire Basinski, RPP, Chair of OPPI Council. “This partnership is an investment in the future of the profession and marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between our organizations.”

“This partnership is an important part of fulfilling our vision to increase engagement and collaboration among Black professionals working in planning, design, and real estate development and improving planning outcomes in Black spaces and communities,” says Eldon Theodore, MCIP, RPP, a BPUA Board member. “We look forward to working with OPPI and being provided with a meaningful opportunity to impact the planning profession and further BPUA’s goals.”

Both organizations are committed to ongoing collaboration and look forward to exploring further opportunities to address systemic barriers and enhance the representation of Black professionals within the planning field.

 

About BPUA
BPUA is a not-for-profit corporation created to facilitate engagement and collaboration among professionals to increase access and opportunities for the Black professionals in planning, land development and housing and related fields. In working with communities and other professionals, BPUA seeks to bring about change in built and social environments to improve the lives of Black people and diverse communities. BPUA fosters mentorship, educational and community events to connect its members and build unity within the planning and adjacent professions.