Without proactively removing the structures and systems that have contributed to inequity, place based collaboratives will not be able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those most excluded and underestimated in communities. However, given the increasing anti-DEI political and cultural headwinds unfolding in the US and several other countries, communities are facing increased challenges pursuing their equity work. In this session, we will discuss the challenges collaboratives are facing and the ways that communities have been responding and how they can continue to do this work in the face of adversity.