Transforming the Built Environment Through Land Use Policy Innovation: Two Case Studies

Rising rates of obesity and associated problems of morbidity have focused attention on the built environment in framing opportunities for mobility and physical activity. The availability of sidewalks and trails along with proximate land uses can encourage walking while low densities and dangerous roads can mandate reliance on the automobile. The built environment is shaped by local land use and development requirements, most notably through zoning codes. In the extent to which there is a desire to transform this environment to support active living, it is necessary to understand why some jurisdictions are willing to adopt innovative policies. This paper discusses case studies of two cities in Georgia and North Carolina selected on the basis of responses to a survey of best practice communities in the US. This is part of a larger study of land use innovation funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Active Living Research program. Field visits and extensive interviews reveal the significant role played by visionary planning directors, supportive legislators, creative developers, images of desired development and practices that should be avoided, and responsive consumers. Each community considered innovative approaches in response to particular issues such as changing demographics and high levels of traffic congestion. Financing innovative development was particularly challenging. The downturn in the economy is creating significant problems with current development projects, but there is a prevailing sense that the commitment to innovation is long term. Insights from this study will be helpful in enabling other communities to be more innovative.