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.
Our 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.
Contact Us
Erin Butto - MPH
Senior Director, Applied Research and Analytics
Areas of Expertise- Research and Analytics
- Health Policy Analysis
Erin leads a portfolio of programs focusing on health economic and policy analysis, Military and Veterans Health, and Survey Science. She has 20 years of combined experience in research and health policy, with specific expertise in communicating the impact and cost-effectiveness of clinical and community interventions. Erin holds a master's degree in public health with a focus on health behavior and health promotion from the University of Illinois at Chicago.