Metropolitan area transportation planning for healthy communities

Abstract

Based on research including four best practice studies, the report proposes a framework for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and partners to use to integrate health into metropolitan area transportation planning. The framework addresses both how MPOs can approach health as a direct, broadly-based goal for their interdisciplinary planning and how they can consider health during all stages of the metropolitan area transportation planning porcess. The report identifies a "holistic" approach to health, including considerations of active transportation, safety, air pollution, and access to opportunities for healthy lifestyles. The report includes summaries of Federal and State regulations, policies, and funding programs; available technical tools; applicable research and reports; four MPO case studies and a broad scan of additional MPO examples; and a synthesis with observations. This research demonstrates that although each MPO may have a unique experience, approach, and set of actors involved in incorporating health into their planning processes, strategies, and challenges are very similar.\n