Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee Highlights 2026 Budget for Social Development Plans

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On November 25th, the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee gathered at City Hall to review the proposed 2026 budget allocation for Social Development Plan implementation across Toronto’s priority neighborhoods. The discussion highlighted the plan’s success in Regent Park and its potential to guide equitable development citywide. Chaired by Deputy Mayor Amber Morley, the committee heard from residents, advocates, and city staff about the tangible impact of Regent Park’s plan. Outcomes cited included zero gun-related deaths in 2023, expanded youth employment and leadership programs, and strengthened community cohesion. These results showcase how coordinated, resident-led strategies can make neighborhoods safer and more equitable. Speakers emphasized the ongoing challenges facing priority neighborhoods with significant Black and racialized populations, including housing instability, economic pressures, and systemic inequities. Expanding Social Development Plans citywide would provide sustainable funding, support resident-led governance, and embed equity and anti-Black racism reduction into urban development policies. The committee voted unanimously to adopt the item, reinforcing strong support for the plan and its approach. Regent Park continues to serve as a model for evidence-based, community-driven change, demonstrating how strategic investment and local leadership can transform neighborhoods for current residents and future generations. For Regent Park and beyond, the 2026 budget allocation signals a commitment to equity, opportunity, and community safety—turning lessons from Regent Park into a blueprint for Toronto’s priority neighborhoods. 

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