Connecting the Dots: The Triad of Environmental Justice, Property Standards, and Code Enforcement Laura Rouse-DeVore, CCEO Senior Property Maintenance Inspector City of Evanston, IL

Environmental Justice: Defined --The EPA defines “Environmental Justice” as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.  (https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice) --Environmental Justice involves environmental decision-making and the unequitable enforcement of environmental laws. (Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University)

Environmental Justice: The Goals Equal Protection Equal Access Environmental Justice includes communities working towards: Equal protection for all persons from environmental health hazards Equal access for all persons to a healthy living, learning, and work environment.

Environmental Justice: Topics Permits Overburdened Communities Funding and Grants Equitable Development Brownfields Solutions

The Power of Place “Place Attachment” plays an important role in environmental justice. “Place Attachment” is an emotional bonding of a person and a place. Attachment to Place is considered a fundamental human need.

The Power of Place Ways that “Place Attachment” and Environmental Justice are connected: 1) Place Attachment is a driving factor that causes people to remain in an unsafe environment. 2) Place Attachment is enhanced by environmental justice initiatives that improve the quality of life within their current environment.

A look at two types of Place Attachment: The Power of Place A look at two types of Place Attachment: Social Attachment: -Institutional Ties to the area -Social Activities with Neighbors -Friends or Relatives in close proximity -Satisfaction with the Neighborhood and existing Quality of Life -Desire for residential stability Community Attachment: -Feeling a sense of belonging to a place -Neighborhood interest -The displeasure or pleasure felt by having to move

Property Standards and Code Enforcement: The Role "Code Enforcement is the prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public health, safety, and welfare, public works, business activities and consumer protection, building standards, land-use, or municipal affairs." Excerpt from Code Enforcement – A Comprehensive Approach by Joseph M. Schilling and James B. Hare. © 1994, Solano Press Books, www.solano.com

Property Standards and Code Enforcement: The Role The Tools: Code Enforcement Officers (Sworn or Non-sworn) Policy Development Permitting and Licensing Registrations Inspection and Testing Programs Courts Administrative Adjudication Communication Letters and Notices Community Outreach and Education First Responders Human Services and Social Agencies Taskforces

Property Standards and Code Enforcement: The Role The role of Code Enforcement Officers within municipalities has significantly expanded over the past decade with: 1.) The economic changes in our country, 2.) The increase in blighted neighborhoods and properties, 3.) The increase in foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties, and 4.) Increased focus and demand for neighborhood and community revitalization strategies. Code Enforcement Officers also play a significant role in economic development and city-wide beautification initiatives.

The Overlapping Issues The issues that touch both Environmental Justice and Code Enforcement and Property Standards: Bed Bugs Rental Properties Lead Hoarding Air Quality Water Quality and Conservation Vacant Buildings and Properties Land, Waste, and Cleanup Mold Pests and Abatement

Employing Strategies to “Connect the Dots” How do we increase environmental justice awareness through effective Code Enforcement?

Employing Strategies to “Connect the Dots” 1.) Policy Development through an Environmental Justice lens Look at potential issues and conflicts Consider careful allocation of land uses Know and understand the demographic profile of the community

Employing Strategies to “Connect the Dots” 2.) Holistic Approaches to Neighborhood Stabilization and Revitalization Consider Transportation, Housing, and Education as part of the solutions Involve and Seek Answers from the Community Be creative about funding—Public/Private Partnerships, Community Funding Sources Promote equity in Land Use decisions Employ holistic responses and solutions to environmentally-sensitive sites, such as brownfields

Employing Strategies to “Connect the Dots” 3.) Develop and launch Property Standards and Code Enforcement community outreach strategies Public Education Resources about Codes, Processes, and Procedures Presentation opportunities at Community meetings Attend Public Meetings regarding Environmental and sanitation policy changes and development Attend Homeowner and Neighborhood Association, Ward, or District Meetings Look for opportunities to start public education in schools

Employing Strategies to “Connect the Dots” 4.) Increase awareness of Environmental Justice issues among Property Standards and Code Enforcement professionals Conduct internal awareness and sensitivity trainings for employees Audit existing codes to inventory where improvements could be made Conduct field awareness and communication classes for employees

Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Connecting the Dots: The Triad of Environmental Justice, Property Standards, and Code Enforcement Laura Rouse-DeVore, CCEO Senior Property Maintenance Inspector City of Evanston, IL