Introducing, IncDev Book Club.
IncDev Book Club meet-ups are virtual discussions that create space for deeper, more intentional thinking about what it means to be a neighborhood developer.
Time advertised is in Central Time.
Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law
In Conversation with Leah Rothstein, co-author and housing policy expert
The Color of Law recounted how government at all levels created residential segregation. Just Action is the blueprint for what we do next.
Written by Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein, Just Action offers programs that activists, practitioners, and community members can undertake in their own neighborhoods to address historical inequities — moving beyond acknowledgment and apology toward concrete, local change. From zoning reform and community land trusts to fair housing organizing and institutional accountability, the book draws on decades of policy experience and real stories of communities taking action.
This IncDev book club brings practitioners together to engage these ideas not as theory alone, but as strategies to examine, debate, and apply in their own contexts. Joined by co-author Leah Rothstein, we'll explore the roots of residential segregation, the range of tools available to redress it, the tensions and tradeoffs involved, and what it means — practically and ethically — to take action in your own community. The session includes a short framing presentation followed by facilitated discussion, creating space for shared inquiry among developers, planners, designers, advocates, organizers, and public-sector staff.
Reading the book is encouraged but not required. This conversation is designed to support grounded, honest discussion about how residential segregation continues to shape daily life — and how incremental, community-driven action can begin to reverse it.
We recommend purchasing the book from your local bookstore, Bookshop.org, or ThriftBooks.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leah Rothstein
Leah Rothstein works at the intersection of policy, community change, and public narrative, advising local governments, advocates, and community organizations on housing policy and fair housing strategies. She is co-author, with Richard Rothstein, of Just Action — a sequel to The Color of Law that describes how local community groups can begin to redress the wrongs of residential segregation. Leah brings more than three decades of experience as a community and union organizer and consultant to housing developers, cities, counties, and redevelopment agencies. Learn more about Leah at: https://www.leahrothstein.com/.
REGISTRATION
Book Club meet-ups are a membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members.
Not a member yet? Become one today!
Recordings will be sent to those who register following the session. This event will be held in Central Standard Time. Details will be sent to attendees upon registration.
Contact
For any questions, message us at training@incrementaldevelopment.org.