The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74094

Judith A. Corbett, MS, Executive Director, Local Government Commission, 1414 K Street, Suite 600, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 448-1198, jcorbett@lgc.org

In 1991, the Local Government Commission developed a set of policies appropriate for incorporation in a city or county general plan. Titled the Ahwahnee Principles, the policies define a land use pattern that serves as an alternative to auto-dependent urban sprawl. Briefly, they call for neighborhoods with services such as grocery stores and schools located in neighborhood centers - within walking distance of all residents; and walkable, mixed use downtowns that offer housing above retail. They advocate siting new development near transit stops instead of freeway off ramps. And they call for streets that are narrow, tree shaded, safe and inviting for the pedestrian and cyclist. Over 200 communities in California alone have adopted these principles and many have made progress toward implementing them. The health benefits of this new type of development are numerous. Studies reveal that when walking becomes an alternative to the car, physical activity increases. Reduced auto use results in less air pollution. And narrowing streets results in fewer injury accidents. Accommodating this type of development requires communities to adopt new general plan or comprehensive plan language and adopt new implementing ordinances and policies. It is a complex and time consuming process.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
• recognize the planning policies that will lead to healthy, activity-friendly communities
• recognize healthy community design when they see it; and
• understand the planning process and the role they might play in changing policies at the local level.

Keywords: Urban Health, Policy/Policy Development

Related Web page: www.lgc.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.