State of the Field

What does it take to embed racial equity into the daily work of government - and sustain it?

GARE's latest release, State of the Field: A Snapshot of Racial Equity in Government offers a comprehensive view of the current landscape of racial equity work in government, grounded in the experiences of practitioners across the country. Drawing on survey data from 169 government staff and interviews with 20 frontline equity leaders, this resource examines what’s working, what’s changing, and where targeted support is most needed.

Designed to meet the needs of practitioners in operationalizing equity, the report includes:

  • Detailed survey analysis on resource allocation, political will, and implementation challenges.
  • Rich qualitative insights on how equity leaders are navigating shifting institutional dynamics.
  • An integrated synthesis of trends across data sources - highlighting emerging strategies in community engagement, narrative change, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Strategic recommendations for local governments, peer organizations, and philanthropic partners.

State of the Field also raises critical questions in the field, including the tension between centralized and decentralized approaches, and the infrastructure needed for long-term success.

Whether you are implementing racial equity work inside government, supporting it from the outside, or investing in its future, this report offers key learnings to inform your next steps - and drive our collective progress.

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We're witnessing a profound evolution in how local, regional and state governments approach equity work. The focus has shifted from simply having diverse representation to fundamentally reimagining how government functions, who it serves, and how decisions are made. This is challenging work, but the potential for transformative impact has never been greater.

- Equity Director, Western Region

Key Findings

Governments are moving beyond compliance-driven diversity efforts toward embedding racial equity in decision-making.

The survey found that 45% of jurisdictions have codified racial equity policies, creating legal and administrative frameworks that help protect equity work from political changes. Practitioners are also focused on "embedding [racial equity principles] into policies and practices so they are harder to undermine, " moving equity from aspirational statements into the fabric of government operations.

“When we codified our equity requirements in city ordinances and administrative regulations, we created guardrails that protect the work through leadership transitions. Even when we experienced significant turnover after an election, these policies ensured that equity considerations remained embedded in our decision-making processes.”

- City Administrator

Narrative strategies are evolving - moving from solely moral appeals to highlighting equity's role in effective governance.

As practitioners navigate increasingly difficult political landscapes, their equity messaging has shifted to emphasize results-based approaches such as economic benefits and shared societal outcomes that resonate with broader audiences. Survey data indicates that 30% of respondents now prioritize economic arguments as a key strategy for securing buy-in, allowing equity work to continue even in environments where explicit justice-focused language might face resistance.

“We’re operating in an increasingly polarized environment where even using terms like ‘equity’ can trigger opposition. We’ve had to become much more strategic about how we frame and communicate our work while staying true to our core mission of addressing systemic disparities.”

- Equity Director, Southern County

Leading jurisdictions are transforming community engagement through partnerships and shared decision-making

60% of survey respondents reported an increase in community-driven racial equity initiatives. Practitioners repeatedly emphasized that meaningful progress relies on authentic connections with residents and communities who bear the greatest burden of inequity.

“The most transformative changes we've seen have come directly from deeper community partnerships. When government shares power with communities that have historically been excluded from decision-making, we not only get better solutions but also build the trust and accountability essential for sustainable change.”

- Community Engagement Director

Persistent resource constraints and political resistance challenge long-term sustainability

70% of respondents cited funding limitations as a major barrier, while 55% highlighted political resistance. These obstacles demonstrate the need for sustained advocacy and innovative resource allocation strategies.

“The difference between jurisdictions with strong and weak leadership commitment is night and day. Where we have leaders who champion equity publicly, provide adequate resources, and hold departments accountable, we see transformative progress. Where equity is treated as optional or peripheral, we see minimal change and frequent backsliding.”

- Equity Consultant, National Organization

Innovative cross-sector partnerships and regional collaborations are driving greater impact

40% of respondents are actively engaged in cross-sector partnerships to advance equity goals, in collaborations ranging from formal partnership agreements to more fluid, project-based cooperation. By connecting governmental efforts with community organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic partners, and private sector entities, practitioners are building resilient ecosystems of support for equity work that can withstand political and resource challenges.

“The most successful partnerships we've built aren’t transactional. They're based on relationships and shared values. We spend time understanding each other's priorities, constraints, and strengths. Then we design initiatives that leverage everyone's unique capacities while addressing our common goals.”

- Regional Equity Coordinator

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