Mayor Gavin Newsom is an energetic advocate for healthy eating and active living and is widely credited with transforming San Francisco’s approach to nutrition, transportation and activity policies.

The city’s youngest mayor in over a century, Newsom committed himself to making San Francisco the most pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly municipality in the nation. Toward that end, he secured $8 million in federal and local funds for the Better Streets program, which ensures that public health perspectives are fully integrated into urban planning processes.

Last year, he walked across England. Next year it’ll be Wales. Dave Ramsay, city manager of Kirkland, Washington, is a self-professed “walking nut” who loves long-distance treks, including marathons.

“I find it great on a personal health level, but it’s also a great way to get around the community,” he says. For Ramsay, walking and biking are not just hobbies because there are five great public policy objectives that they can help accomplish. First, and perhaps most obviously, it’s great exercise, which improves public health. The second benefit is enhanced public safety. Walkable and bike-friendly communities help you get more “eyes on the street.”

Mayor Claude Ramsey’s leadership has catalyzed a movement for healthy eating and active living in Hamilton County. During his 30 years of public service, he has launched a variety of innovative policies and programs to improve the health and well-being of his constituents.

Currently serving his fourth term as mayor, Ramsey is always looking for ways to promote healthy lifestyles. With the stimulus funds that recently became available to state and local communities, Ramsey’s administration is dedicating more than $2 million for greenways, sidewalk improvements, bicycle facilities, streetscaping projects, trails, bikeways and public transportation enhancements.