The Business Case for Racial Equity
Overview
The W. K. Kellogg Foundation wanted to add an economic case to the social justice argument for racial equity. Altarum produced, then updated a landmark brief connecting greater equity to a stronger US workforce, customer base, and fiscal environment. We also produced briefs specific to Michigan, Texas, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Orleans.
Approach
Combining data analysis, existing research, and input from expert consultants, we described where we are now in terms of disparities, how we got there, and where we go from here in the domains of housing, education, health, incarceration, and employment/entrepreneurship. We quantified the benefits of reducing inequities in terms of greater earnings, consumer spending, and tax revenues, less spending on health care and incarceration, and greater economic growth.
Results
Among the first in a growing body of work on the economic benefits of racial equity, our briefs have penetrated state and federal policy circles, college classrooms, nonprofits, national radio and television, community race discussions, and social impact investing.
Experts
Senior Director, Applied Research and Analytics