In 2012, Richmond was the first city in California to put a Health Element into their General Plan. At a session moderated by Richmond City Councilmember and LGC boardmember Tom Butt, City staff discussed how creating a healthier community is now becoming the core of their work.
When Public Works crews go out to stripe bicycle lanes on a street, for example, they now understand that their work helps improve the health and quality of life of residents.
Will Dominie, with Contra Costa County Health Services, described how similar efforts are taking place at the county level with projects focused on planning for climate change impacts. The effort, he noted, maximizes the co-benefits of policies and minimizes unintended consequences. For example, a program to weatherize the homes of low-income residents has not only reduced energy consumption but also improved the quality of housing and helped provide job training to local residents.
Session information and presentations available on the New Partners for Smart Growth website: “Building Health Equity into All Policies: Lessons from Richmond, CA, and Contra Costa County”