PolicyLink

Reminding ourselves of the absolute gift, joy, and power of being in community together. If you have not already, please save the date for our next Equity Summit, which will be held August 24-28, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. area. #EquitySummit2026 #WeAreTheFounders #GoverningForAll

There is a massive gap – 27% – between reality and perception when it comes to support for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Over 80% of the general public (across the political spectrum) supports it, but most perceive that support is much lower at just 55%. What’s the impact? Read this excellent article highlighting why this gap is dangerous and what to do about it. The punchline: speak up! Wherever you can and however you can. As the article states: “The less companies talk about [diversity, equity, and inclusion], the more people will misunderstand how popular [it] really is. That will make people less likely to talk about diversity, and the gap between perception and reality will grow. A vicious spiral is born.” Let's stop the spiral. Leaders, use your voice and stand with the American public. Bullies only get bigger and stronger when we stay silent. H/t to Joelle Emerson of Paradigm for putting this study on my radar. https://lnkd.in/giYheHuP

Despite this shift at the federal level, it is critical to remember that states and local jurisdictions can continue to implement their own policies and planning efforts to promote inclusive communities. Many local and state leaders have already demonstrated their commitment by using data-driven tools and engaging in meaningful community participation to shape policies that expand housing choice and opportunity. It is vital that we continue our efforts to ensure that all individuals and families—regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, or other protected characteristics—can live in safe, stable, and thriving neighborhoods. https://lnkd.in/eqaCiJmp

Earlier this year, my colleagues and I were asked to support All-In Cincinnati's Day of Racial Healing. We were surprised and thrilled to hear that they were anchoring the day in “All means all,” a leadership stance that we had shared at our 2024 Equity Summit. This seemingly simple phrase reflected our commitment and invitation to redesign this nation so it could at last deliver on its promise to all. When I received this recap video, I had no idea what a gift it would be. Watching it filled me with so much joy and inspiration. We know this nation — neither its democracy nor its economy — was ever designed for everyone’s thriving. But that aspiration of “all,” mentioned in both our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, is an unrealized promise. And it’s a promise that We the People can make real, if we take up the task of redesigning this nation for all. Seeing people in Cincinnati come together to share joyful, challenging, and thought-provoking conversations around a nation for all gave me hope. It reminded me of a choice we can all make: to make this nation one where all truly means all. We will not be distracted or deterred. Let’s do this nation building work together. #CollectiveFlourishing #GoverningforAll #WeAreTheFounders

This week, HUD published its version of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule to the federal register. Learn more about what this Interim Final Rule means for states and local jurisdictions — and how communities can take action to protect fair housing rights. https://lnkd.in/eeFfDGsS

I was thankful to have this opportunity to sit with Chanda Smith Baker as part of her Centering Conversations podcast. As we neared the end of the conversation, Chanda posed an important question that she had heard my mother, Linetta Gilbert, often ask: Is your vision big enough? What I have learned throughout my own journey — from my mother, to the civil rights and community leaders that mentored me, to the partners we have the opportunity to work with every day — is that the best we can do is to make our best contribution in this long arc. And we ought to make it. There are so many more of us in this nation who, should we choose to accept it, have the power, brilliance, and creativity to deliver on a vision of this nation that is at last designed for our collective flourishing. I believe that vision is not only big enough, but the one that this moment is demanding of all of us. We must take up the mantle and, at last, make this nation what it has long promised to be. #WeAreTheFounders You can find our conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gMmZB_6Q Voice. Vision. Value. Black Women Leading Philanthropy

We are excited to announce the newest Centering Conversations podcast episode with Ashleigh Gardere,the President of PolicyLink. In this episode, Ashleigh shares a bold vision to redesign the nation from the ground up. Challenging the status quo, Gardere argues that current systems were never designed for collective flourishing - it's time to redefine the values and legal frameworks that will deliver a just and equitable future for all. Read PolicyLink's Vision: https://lnkd.in/gyhpSFy3 Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gK_XRTtf Youtube - https://lnkd.in/gYgEKJnx Apple Podcast - https://lnkd.in/gCeK2nXP

???? LIHTC is a vital tool for affordable housing, but its design leaves too many gaps—affordability is temporary, tenant protections are weak & for-profit owners dominate. Alliance for Housing Justice & Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRRAC)'s toolkit shows how states can strengthen LIHTC to better serve communities, not just investors.

Don't miss this webinar next Tuesday on the historic promise of equal protection enshrined in the 14th amendment. We will explore this Constitutional promise, its power and limitations, and the language of fairness, justice, and freedom that would be required in the Constitution of a nation that delivers for all. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewHkcQAm

I want to acknowledge this is a moment of sorrow. Despite our efforts to brace ourselves for a transfer of power in our federal government, the first few weeks have delivered painful blows: efforts to divide us; distinctions made about who does and does not benefit from the full rights and privileges of citizenship; and threats to efforts to care for those most burdened by structural oppression. There are moments in history when the cost of poor, misguided values is too great for us to bear. When coalitions find each other and push us closer to a nation that serves all. I believe now is one of those moments. I also know this means that leaders across the country are asking themselves, “Should I defend the fundamentals of democracy or should I refocus my efforts on building a new model that finally delivers for all?” The fact that we may answer that question differently does not mean we are opposed to each other. We at PolicyLink are embracing the powerful idea that individuals, organizations, and sectors can hold different roles and have the same goal. This moment requires defenders, dreamers, and builders. It requires all of us taking a founders’ stance to push toward a nation for all together — even, and maybe even particularly, when that nation feels far away. Thank you to All-In Cincinnati for speaking with me as part of your National Day of Racial Healing.?