Emerging Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Building Urban Health Equity: 5 Pathways for Cross-Sector Action

As the COVID-19 pandemic exposed health disparities that have long existed in cities worldwide, Urban Institute and Impact on Urban Health convened a dialogue series with global experts to take stock of what the pandemic teaches us about the causes and consequences of health inequalities in cities. This brief presents insights from the dialogue series held in November and December 2020. Recognizing that change requires leadership and action from different actors in society, the brief poses 5 pathways for action to achieve a recovery with urban health equity at the center: (1) Define the vision for equity, (2) Narrow economic inequality, (3) Build partnerships for integrated action, (4) Build community voice and power, and (5) Change the aperture for measuring structural challenges. We draw from expert commentary and research evidence to highlight lessons learned and demonstrate what an equity-focused recovery might entail.