Implementing Racial and Social Justice Policies: A Qualitative Study of Three Local U.S. Jurisdictions

Area of Science:

• Public Administration
• Policy Implementation Studies
• Social Justice Research

Background:

• Racial equity and social justice (RESJ) policies are increasingly adopted by local governments.
• The practical processes for implementing these policies remain poorly understood.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding how RESJ policies are translated into practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how practitioners implement RESJ policy mandates in their day-to-day work.
• To identify the institutional, political, and organizational conditions influencing RESJ policy implementation.
• To provide insights for designing, implementing, and sustaining equity policies in local government.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 practitioners.
• Purposive sampling was used for participant selection between June and November 2023.
• Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Six major themes and 14 subthemes were identified, detailing practitioners' experiences.
• Key themes include policy interpretation, organizational capacity, data infrastructure, accountability, ethical challenges, and political durability.
• Findings highlight barriers and facilitators affecting policy adoption, feasibility, fidelity, and sustainment.

Conclusions:

• Effective RESJ policy implementation necessitates enhanced institutional capacity and clear accountability.
• Sustained political and material support is crucial for the longevity of equity policies.
• The study offers guidance for policymakers navigating the complexities of implementing and sustaining equity initiatives.