Infusing health into regional planning

Land Use and transportation planning practitioners are charged with responsibilities for public involvement, for addressing community impacts of their projects and policies, and creating healthy and sustainable communities. Thus, many of the same goals for local public health departments and finding ways to collaborate are valuable to the community. This presentation will discuss how Public Health – Seattle & King County Department has worked to ensure that health is being incorporated into local and regional transportation and land use planning through the building of partnerships. The presentation will explain the progression of work from collaboration with the local Board of Health to develop healthy planning guidelines, providing assistance to cities as the update comprehensive plans, and participation in committees and projects of the regional metropolitan planning organization (Puget Sound Regional Council). This work at the regional level has in itself progressed in level of partnership and work over time and has resulted in concrete changes in regional planning directions and outcomes. The discussion will tease out the success and challenges of the work and program effectiveness with respect to integrating public health, community engagement and equity into community-based planning processes.