| Center Activities |
| Growth & Development |
 Community Design |
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| Healthy Communities |
| Transportation & Land Use Planning |
| All Issue Publications |
| Contact(s) |
| Darren Springer Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Division |
| Latest Publications |
| 10/25/2007 State Policies to Preserve Farmland |
| 05/21/2007 State Actions Supporting Healthy Community Design |
| 05/02/2007 Integrating Schools into Healthy Community Design |
| 10/27/2005 State Initiatives Promoting Active Living and Providing Access to Healthy Foods |
| 06/14/2005 State Policies for Shaping Healthy, Active Communities |
| All SubIssue Publications |
 printable version |
| Healthy Communities |
Overview Evidence suggests that how communities are designed--where schools are sited, how close homes are to businesses, and what kinds of transportation options are available, for instance--impacts health through access to nutrition, opportunities for physical activity, and protection of environmental quality. A range of health benefits result from good nutrition and regular physical activity: reduced risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and colon cancer; healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduced depression and anxiety; and assistance for older adults with maintaining balance and preventing falls. Environmental pollution has been linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses; cancer; cognitive development in children; immune deficiencies; and other health problems. State policies can help maintain and create healthy communities in many different ways, including:
Communities that are designed to protect health achieve many more benefits, as well. Communities that have placed an emphasis on quality of life attributes--walkability, historic preservation, urban revitalization, transportation choices, mixed use development, and affordable housing--attract highly-skilled workers and new businesses. Moreover, communities that seek to reduce sprawl and invest in developed areas minimize the costs of providing new infrastructure, schools, and services. Communities that have preserved rural and wild open spaces keep fresh food from local farmers proximate to urban areas and provide places for recreation. Similarly, urban green spaces provide recreational opportunities and can provide trail networks that serve as a non-motorized transportation option. Focus of Center Activities The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) supports Governors and their advisors who wish to learn about and create policies and programs that foster healthy communities. In addition, the Center is part of a national initiative to provide assistance to state and local government leaders on active living. Called Active Living Leadership, the initiative is a unique collaboration funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and involving the various partner organizations listed below under "Related Links." Interested state leaders from health, transportation, land use, economic development, education and environmental disciplines are encouraged to contact the Center for more information. Healthy communities issues relate to many other state concerns as well. The Center also provides information and technical assistance on issues such as air quality, growth planning, transportation, and obesity. Related Links: Active Living Leadership Partner Organizations
Other Active Living Online Resources
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