Components
Economic Health:
- Distinctive, attractive places with a strong sense of community sell very well in the marketplace.
- Mixed-use development and compact neighborhoods can bear a much smaller burden on local government infrastructure.
- Walkable, active communities are healthier, thus reducing the cost of healthcare (asthma, diabetes, obesity, etc.)
- Preservation of critical environmental areas keeps our community in compliance with state and federal laws, avoiding fines, fees and lawsuits.
- Good development decisions that involve nearby neighborhood stakeholders pass through the development process more quickly, thus saving time and resources.
Community Health:
- Pedestrian and bicycle friendly development practices promote active forms of transportation, reducing the risk of obesity and improving air quality.
- The built environment can protect neighborhoods from both crime and traffic problems.
- Creating an attractive community increases social capital, which has a positive impact on mental and physical health.
- Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods are especially important for the elderly, who have limited transportation options.
Environmental Health:
- Protecting our streams and lakes, while utilizing low-impact development methods, improves water quality in our region.
- Mixed-use development and more transportation options decrease reliance on the automobile, which improves air quality.
- Infill of urban and brownfield areas revitalizes our built environment and provides better aesthetics for neighborhoods
- Preserving open spaces and conserving natural beauty enhances our community’s character.
