City planners as allies for social justice depend on understanding the relationship between and consequences of capitalism, and urbanism and demands more just alternatives for collective and democratic self-determination. Systemic political and economic practices as well as the traditional planning role of neutrality, limit planners’ ability to implement evidence-based, non-partisan, socially just standards, plans and processes. The right to the city lens is an interdisciplinary call to action to expose injustice, propose alternatives and politicize issues, citizens and spatial environments. Applying this organizing concept requires critical reflection, learning and debate on the role and responsibility of the profession to work toward democracy, ethics, collective rights and justice to challenge oppressive practices and redistribute power and wealth.

Community organizations in Winnipeg, such as City Watch highlight a coordinated approach to civic literacy and change. With leadership, vision, and collective responsibility, planners and allies can envision and build more equitable communities.