The regional Sustainable Communities Strategy planning efforts under way throughout California provide a unique opportunity for infrastructure investments that can improve public health, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability. Because resources are limited, it is paramount to identify neighborhoods where these investments will do the most to create changes that will address health inequities and help people lead healthier lifestyles. This report identifies key “Healthy Priority Development Areas:” places where creating safer, more walkable, mixed-income neighborhoods could produce the greatest improvement in public health and equity.
 
ChangeLab Solutions partnered with Brian Fulfrost and Associates and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy to identify specific healthy development opportunities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. We did this by developing a set of measurable and quantifiable health equity metrics that were then used to create a “HealthScore.” We selected indicators that affect health and are indicative of sustainable community planning. Our purpose was to elevate health and equity priorities on a par with other quantifiable outcomes currently included in the Sustainable Communities Strategy. More information on the Health Score and Healthy priority Development areas can be found in this report.
 
To download the report, as well as regional and sub-regional maps that accompany the study, please see the links below.