Grounding Justice: Toward Reparative Spatial Futures in Land and Housing serves as an anchoring document for our work in reparative spatial justice. It is both a call to action and an open invitation for collaboration and discussion that embraces the conversations, tensions, and collective growth that this path demands. 

In this inaugural publication, we highlight the critical need for a reparative spatial justice framework in land and housing policy. The paper uplifts key concepts, research findings, and perspectives from the field shedding light on the multifaceted nature of reparative spatial justice.  Drawing from a comprehensive literature review compiled by the PolicyLink housing team and the empirical insights of qualitative research conducted by Social Insights, this paper also synthesizes conversations with advocates, frontline workers, and thought leaders in the fields of spatial justice, reparations, housing justice, and land justice. The fusion of these insights frames a set of evidence-based recommendations, charting a course for practitioners, researchers, policymakers, organizers, and advocates dedicated to this transformative work.

• Read the Executive Summary (English)
• Read the Executive Summary (Spanish)
• Read the Full Publication (English)

As funding for the popular Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program runs out, Tiana Starks with We the People of Detroit discusses the impact on the people of Detroit where up to 10% of homes lack complete access to water.

Three Members of Congress introduced the Water Access Act to prevent a looming water assistance crisis as a funding assistance program runs dry.

"We can solve this problem," said Yasmin Zaerpoor, who directs water equity work with the research and action institute PolicyLink. "Federal programs already exist to help low-income households pay energy and phone bills when they’re struggling, but funding for the temporary Low Income Household Water Assistance Program will expire in just days if Congress doesn’t act now."

The Fifth National Climate Assessment warns of climate impacts for people and the environment in the Mississippi River basin. WECR steering committee member Rebecca Malpass with The Water Collaborative comments on the extremes of "weather whiplash."

The Fifth National Climate Assessment, released November 14, 2023 summarizes the latest scientific consensus on climate science in the United States. The report finds safe, reliable water supplies in the United States are threatened by drought, flooding, and sea level rise. Climate change is degrading water quality for people and ecosystems, and threatening public health. While many communities across the country are already investing in climate-water solutions, adaptation efforts aren’t moving fast enough to keep up with the speed of climate change impacts on water resources. This summary highlights the water-related subject-matter findings of the assessment.

Art credit: "Redrawing the Earth" is a 2023 colored pencil drawing submitted by Ritika S. in Grade 8 as part of the National Climate Assessment's Art x Climate gallery.