While the tobacco industry continues to fight anti-tobacco public health policy at the national and state levels, the industry views local level grassroots policy efforts as “unwinnable”. Anti-tobacco advocates in cities and towns across the country are working to pass local tobacco regulations. These may deal with restrictions on where tobacco can be used, how and by whom tobacco is sold, and how tobacco products may be advertised. This paper will report on a study of local level policy makers in Arizona cities and counties. The research explored their opinions of the role local government should play in tobacco issues, their opinions of the kinds of information that they find useful in helping make decisions about tobacco issues, and the role of experts and other constituencies in their decision making process. Demographic information, tobacco use history and status, and party affiliation are also included in the analyses. The study was conducted to identify the arguments, sources of information, information formats, and constituencies that are most useful to policy makers at the local level. Data sources include structured, open-ended interviews and a telephone survey of all mayors, city council members, and county supervisors in Arizona.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this paper the participant will be able to: 1. Identify effective approaches for presenting tobacco issues to local level policy makers 2. Identify components of a successful strategy for communicating with local level policy makers
Keywords: Advocacy, Tobacco Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arizona Tobacco Information Network (ATIN) a project of the Arizona Tobacco Education and Prevention Program
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.