[Massplanners] New word for "white paper"?

Tue Sep 28 10:38:54 EDT 2021

dear all, the term originated historically in the UK based on a color-coding system for public documents, with white indicating the most official/authoritative.  the term has come into disfavor because of wider cultural associations related to color, i.e., 'white' = highest status, which intentionally or unintentionally reinforced historical racism.  we had a similar discussion on the listserv recently about 'grandfathering', which is a term used in the planning field that also has racist origins.  thus the search for new terms... all the best, mark

justice+equity+diversity+inclusion

Mark Hamin PhD (he/him/his)

Senior Lecturer II, Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning

MRP Graduate Director; BS SCD Undergraduate Director

Lead Coordinator, Sustainability Curriculum Fellows

BDIC Faculty Supervisor (STEAM and Sustainability Majors)

413 387-9760 (m); mhamin at larp.umass.edu<mailto:mhamin at larp.umass.edu>

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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> on behalf of Sarafinas-Hamilton, Catherine (DEP) via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 8:43 AM
To: Williams, Jacinta <JWilliams at PVPC.ORG>
Cc: massplanners at masscptc.org <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] New word for "white paper"?

Hi -

Can you shed some light on this alternative interpretation of 'White Paper'? ie. where it came from.    I looked it up and according to multiple definition resources (Wikipedia, Webster, corporate/law definitions)  a White Paper is defined as an authoritative report meant to assist the reader in understanding a policy or complex issue or idea.

much appreciated -
catherine hamilton
MassDEP
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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> on behalf of Maren Toohill via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 5:12 PM
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Cc: massplanners at masscptc.org <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] New word for "white paper"?

CAUTION: This email originated from a sender outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mail system.  Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Thanks, everyone for your suggestions.

I’m going with “Executive Summary”, based on the limited content of “my” paper - but I do feel well-armed with new ideas!

Thanks again,
Maren

Maren A. Toohill, AICP

Town Planner

978/540-2425

MToohill at littletonma.org<mailto:MToohill at littletonma.org>

Town of Littleton

From: Cousineau, Christine [mailto:Christine.Cousineau at tufts.edu]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 2:39 PM
To: Richard Tillberg <richard at richardtillberg.com>; Maren Toohill <MToohill at littletonma.org>; Williams, Jacinta <JWilliams at PVPC.ORG>
Cc: massplanners at masscptc.org
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] New word for "white paper"?

**THIS EMAIL WAS SENT BY AN EXTERNAL SENDER**

Suggestion: "Policy Brief".

Christine

Christine Cousineau, AICP

Lecturer

Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
Tufts University
97 Talbot Ave, Room 301

Medford, MA 02155
dpt: 617-627-3394

home: 781-639-8419

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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org>> on behalf of Williams, Jacinta via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>>
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Subject: Re: [Massplanners] New word for "white paper"?

Hi Maren,

Among the search results for "white paper" here's what I found:

A white paper is an authoritative guide that discusses issues on a certain subject, along with a proposed solution for handling them. The term, “white paper”, came about after the government color-coded reports to indicate who could access them, with the color white referring to public access.

So maybe … "Public Access Report"?

[jacinta pvpc email sig outlook]

From: MassPlanners [mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org] On Behalf Of Richard Tillberg via MassPlanners
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 10:35 AM
To: Maren Toohill <MToohill at littletonma.org<mailto:MToohill at littletonma.org>>
Cc: massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] New word for "white paper"?

How about “Impact Paper.“

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 27, 2021, at 9:57 AM, Maren Toohill via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>> wrote:

Any suggestions for a phrase to use instead of “white paper”? Right now we have “a high-level analysis of the contents of a bylaw that supports housing choice”. Kinda wordy for me, hoping you have alternative suggestions…..

Thank you,

Maren

Maren A. Toohill, AICP

Town Planner

978/540-2425

MToohill at littletonma.org<mailto:MToohill at littletonma.org>

Town of Littleton

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