Gender-Inclusive Planning

Discussions about gender have become widespread in American society, sparking debate across the political spectrum. For planners committed to creating inclusive communities, it is essential to understand key concepts and policy approaches, regardless of the political climate.

Gender expansiveness recognizes gender identities beyond the male-female binary, including nonbinary and transgender people. These policies aim to diversify the rigid male-female binary and create more inclusive spaces to accommodate a range of gender expressions and identities. Gender mainstreaming examines how policies impact individuals based on gender and integrates gender perspectives into planning and policy decisions to ensure equitable outcomes for all. The gender equality movement recognizes that the needs of historically underserved groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, nonbinary, and transgender people, must be addressed in shaping the future of communities. By incorporating inclusive planning practices, including language, planners can help ensure that public spaces, infrastructure, and policies reflect the diverse experiences and realities of all residents.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. released the first-ever U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality in 2021 and a U.S. Strategy to Respond to the Effects of Climate Change on Women in 2023. But 2024 and 2025 have seen shifts in the opposite direction. At least 26 states have passed legislation restricting or banning gender-affirming care for trans minors, and President Trump's executive order defining gender strictly based on biological sex has sparked a new wave of discrimination affecting federal agencies, academia, and professional sports. Read the PAS Memo "Integrating Gender Mainstreaming into U.S. Planning Practice" for guidance from the U.S. and abroad on planning for all genders to ensure that public policies, programs, and investments benefit all community members.