Who we are

Light Equity was founded with a vision to redefine how we approach lighting design in our communities. We recognize that lighting is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating environments where people can thrive, connect, and feel safe. Our organization brings together a passionate and diverse team of experts, advocates, and community members united by a common goal: to illuminate the path towards a more equitable future.

Lighting inequality remains a pervasive issue in our communities, perpetuating disparities and neglecting the fundamental right to safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. The practice of lighting design is a crucial aspect of urban planning but is often not considered as a tool to address the needs of underserved neighborhoods. This lack of understanding and application has resulted in a multitude of challenges that affect the well-being and progress of these communities.

At Light Equity, we recognize these challenges as urgent calls to action. Our mission is to address the root causes of lighting inequality and empower communities to see lighting design as a tool to support and enrich the places they live, work and connect. By doing so, we aim to create safer, more vibrant, and inclusive spaces for everyone

Impact

Equitable lighting must be measured not just by lumens, but by lived experiences. For example, improved pedestrian safety in previously under-lit neighborhoods, increased foot traffic in small business districts after targeted lighting improvements, and stronger community engagement in public spaces all illustrate the transformative power of equitable lighting beyond technical metrics. Our impact assessment framework is built around three key pillars:

Awareness, Advocacy and Access

By systematically evaluating these indicators, we ensure that Light Equity’s work drives meaningful, long-term change in communities historically overlooked in lighting design and implementation.


  • Measuring the reach of our educational programs, workshops, and community discussions. Metrics include the number of participants engaged, online content reach, and survey data assessing shifts in public perception of lighting equity.

  • Tracking policy influence, participation in legislative and industry discussions, and the adoption of equitable lighting policies. We measure the number of policies changed, public commitments from decision-makers, and growth in community advocacy efforts.

  • Evaluating the implementation of equitable lighting solutions in underserved communities. Metrics include improved pedestrian safety, increased nighttime economic activity, and higher community engagement levels. We also track the number of lighting projects funded, mentorships created, and technical resources distributed.