With obesity and physical activity the focus of so much public discussion, it is no surprise that we’re hearing the term “active living” more and more. So what exactly is “active living,” and how do we make sure we get more of it? Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. For individuals, the goal is to get a total of at least 30 minutes of activity each day by, for example, walking, bicycling, playing in the park, working in the yard, taking the stairs, or using recreation facilities. For communities, the goal is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in routine physical activity and to create places and policies that encourage better physical health.
While much attention has been placed on the individual view of active living, more and more initiatives are under way to help create more active, healthy communities. Active Living Leadership is one such project. It is a unique partnership developed to help state and local leaders create and promote places, programs and policies that support and enable active lifestyles. Supported by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Active Living Leadership brings together several national organizations that provide numerous opportunities for collaboration between appointed and elected officials, executive and judicial functions, and state and local levels of government. The Active Living Leadership partner organizations include: the International City/County Management Association, Local Government Commission, National Association of Counties, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and United States Conference of Mayors.
This Active Living Leadership report profiles the notable efforts of elected and appointed government leaders who are supporting healthy community design across the nation. Some of these efforts stem from a desire to support economic development, others to decrease environmental degradation or improve residents’ quality of life. But all of the policy changes and programming efforts have a positive effect on health because they support community design that provides more opportunities for people to engage in routine physical activity. More importantly, these stories serve as stellar examples of how vision, leadership and dedication can enable healthy community design.
Contents
Introduction
Active Living – Why do we need it?
Active Living – How can leaders help?
Active Living Leadership – The power of collaboration
Local Success Stories
- Making the Right Connections in Northern California
From Concept to Action in a Kentucky Suburb
Strolling Down Main Street – Houston’s Restoration Story
Trails Connect Citizens to Active Living in Marquette County, Michigan
State and Regional Success Stories
- Active Along Colorado’s Front Range
Making Progress in Michigan – Administrators Raise the Bar for Active Living
Taking First Steps in Washington State
Active Living Through Collaboration – Minnesota’s Metro Greenways Program
Encouraging Active Living Through Legislation – Maine’s Smart Growth Legislation
Resources – Policy and program ideas for leaders
Resources – Internet sites
Active Living Leadership Background and Contact Information
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PDF Ebook Healthy Community Design: Success Stories from State and Local Leaders
