Equity Impact Assessment (EIA)

Join the #EIAmovement, in response to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2020-09

Why use the EIA process? Without intentional intervention, institutions and structures will perpetuate inequities. The EIA Process prepares organizations to address the root causes that contribute to the racial/ethnic disparities produced through programs, processes, practices, policies, budgetary decisions, and other factors. Through the EIA Process, organizations learn how to develop actionable strategies and decisions that can lead to better outcomes for racial, ethnic, and other communities that are marginalized.

What is the Equity Impact Assessment? The EIA process includes formalized steps for organizations to authentically engage with communities and partners to co-create solutions that lead to equitable outcomes. Organizations identify, plan for, and implement strategies that reduce potential harm for racial/ethnic and other communities that are marginalized as they conduct the EIA Process.

When to use the EIA process? This process can be used to inform a variety of externally facing decisions, such as changes in government policies or regulations, budget allocations, and new program. It is not designed for use in internal operations, such as hiring or promotion. It is most effective when used early in the development/decision-making process, and often is used over a period of time as new issues are identified.