Planning Tools to Create Healthy Communities

Gain a broad understanding of the relationship between public health and planning in this interactive course. Through hands-on exercises and group discussions, participants will receive an overview of the relationship between features of the physical, social and economic environments in communities--such as patterns of development, urban design, transportation and food systems--and public health outcomes. Discuss relevant tools, including how to incorporate health into general plans and specific plans, healthy zoning code amendments and health impact assessments. A strong emphasis will be placed on incorporating key public health concepts, such as the social determinants of health, vulnerable populations and cumulative impacts, into the planning process. This course is appropriate for anyone who wishes to gain a broad understanding of the emerging field of planning and public health.