Land Use for Active Living ResourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Impact Assessment Tool
Policy-makers can use the information on this Web site to improve their understanding of the Health Impact Assessment process, which examines a policy, program or project in terms of its potential health impact on a population. It incorporates public health issues into areas that traditionally fall outside of this realm, including transportation and land use. Council of State Governments, States Promote Transit-Oriented Development
This article examines the emergence of state-promoted transit-oriented development. Transit-oriented developments are centered around mass transit systems in order to encourage walking, bicycling and mass transit ridership. It eliminates the need for automobile usage, which benefits the environment and reduces traffic and congestion. International City/County Management Association, Creating a Regulatory Blueprint for Healthy Community Design, A Local Government Guide to Reforming Zoning and Land Development CodesDesigned for local government officials, this guide provides a strategic framework for reforming zoning and related development codes to encourage the design of more compact, vibrant and healthy communities.http://icma.org/upload/library/2005-08/%7BB0B1B25D-AF97-4432-967C-4174F1213716%7D.pdf International City/County Management Association, Active Living and Social Equity: Creating Healthy Communities for All Residents. A Guide for Local Government
This report examines the link between health and the built environment, and it describes a number of ways that local governments can remove barriers and promote health equity. Solutions include increasing walkability and pedestrian safety; providing safe bicycle pathways and open spaces; improving transportation infrastructure; and increasing food access and affordability. Leadership for Healthy Communities, Tax Increment Financing: A Tool for Advancing Healthy Eating and Active Living, Policy Brief
This policy brief examines the promise of Tax Increment Financing as a means of funding initiatives that promote healthy kids and healthy communities. Local Government Commission, Community Image Survey CD
The Community Image Survey CD is a tool for helping policy-makers and their constituents address community design, land-use and transportation issues. It uses images to help participants evaluate the existing environment and envision their community’s future. Tailored for the needs of each community, the survey provides a foundation for planning and implementation efforts. The Local Government Commission charges $15 for each Community Image Survey CD. Local Government Commission, Land-Use Planning Tools
This site provides tools that can be used to increase public participation in community and land-use planning. Tools include a computer simulation to allow the public to conceptualize what the redesigned area will look like; a visual survey allowing the public to rate an image on a scale of one to 10; and land-use mapping that allows the public to create different development strategies using board games or computer software. Local Government Commission, Creating Great Neighborhoods, Density in Your Community
This report addresses the need to consider community density during the design process. According to the report, when density is properly incorporated into design projects, there is an increased potential to foster a sense of community, preserve open spaces, provide housing options, achieve local economic development goals and create walkable neighborhoods. National Center for Bicycling and Walking (NCBW)
This Web site provides information about the NCBW, a program of the Bicycle Federation of America, Inc. NCBW provides community-based workshops, consulting services, training programs for public and transportation agencies, and economic development and tourism planning analysis. National Conference of State Legislatures, The Legislative Role in Healthy Community Design
This report examines state legislation during a two-year period that encourages physical activity and access to healthy food. Much of this legislation was collaborative and required state and local governments to come together to fund, implement and oversee projects. This report is free to state legislators and their staff, and available for purchase for $10 to all others. National Complete Streets Coalition
Complete street policies direct transportation planners and engineers to consistently design streets with all users in mind. Policy-makers can use the information and resources on this site to improve the way their roads are planned, designed and constructed. Smart Growth, Smart Energy Toolkit
This toolkit provides policy-makers with useful information on model bylaws, case studies and other information on topics such as inclusionary zoning and environmental justice. Starting a Business Improvement District (BID), a Step-by-Step Guide
This report highlights the importance of BIDs and also outlines the necessary steps in establishing one. While this tool was published by the New York City Department of Small Business Services, it can be used by any community interested in developing a BID. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and CDBG Toolkit on Cross Cutting Issues
This Web site provides information about the CDBG program, which provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The toolkit provides information about financial management; the environmental review process; federal labor standards; rules of fair housing and non-discrimination practices; and statutes, regulations, forms and other documents that guide the acquisition and relocation process for state and local governmental organizations. |
