Oberlin Social Equity Plan
Adopted Plan available to view!
We envision a Beloved Community where everyone is actively committed to live together by the principles of fairness and justice; where all are welcome and have access to the specific support they need in order to fully participate in and benefit from the community's planning and decision-making processes, policies, programs, and actions; and where everyone has access to decent, affordable and convenient housing and transportation; and everyone has opportunities for growth and development, quality jobs and education.
The project website will serve as the central hub for project information and updates, during the process.
What’s New!
City of Oberlin Receives Norman Krumholz Equity Award for Oberlin Social Equity Plan!
The City of Oberlin is excited to announce that it is the recipient of the 2025 Norman Krumholz Equity Award from the American Planning Association, Ohio Chapter, for its Social Equity Plan. This award recognizes a person, policy, or community engagement process that exemplifies the professional ideas of Norman Krumholz, former Cleveland Planning Director and life-long champion of equity and human betterment. To be considered for the award, the submission needed to address how the achievements and actions of the Social Equity Plan further the cause of equity in planning and set new standards and/or push boundaries around the subject of equity.
Building on Oberlin’s long-standing commitment to social equity, the plan was initiated in 2020 under the leadership of the City Manager. It evolved through collaboration with community stakeholders, local nonprofits, Oberlin College, and consultants. Its development involved extensive research, data collection, resident engagement, and independent assessment, identifying housing, jobs, health, and education as top priorities.
City of Oberlin Community Liaison Terri Richardson-Sanders collaborated with the Social Equity Working Group to develop actionable strategies with defined objectives and responsibilities for each of the 13 plan subjects. She states, “Like the Krumholz equity style of planning, Oberlin’s Social Equity Plan is a comprehensive, community-driven initiative designed to address systemic inequities and promote fairness, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities for all residents.”
The Oberlin City Council approved the Oberlin Social Equity Plan in May 2025, providing a living roadmap for advancing equity, addressing systemic barriers, and fostering social justice in Oberlin, with a focus on measurable impact and sustained community engagement. Richardson-Sanders continues to work with a group of stakeholders to implement the Social Equity Plan within the community.
For more information about the City of Oberlin receiving the 2025 Norman Krumholz Equity Award, contact Community Liaison Terri Richardson-Sanders at 440-776-4898 or tsanders@cityofoberlin.com.