The Economic Benefits of Walkable Communities

First fix the streets, then the people and business will follow.

Dan Burden, Walkable Communities, Inc.

In many cases, designing neighborhoods, main streets and town centers so they are walkable and transit-oriented can be a good investment. A 1998 statewide survey of local government elected officials and top staff in California conducted by the LGC revealed that an economic benefit was a clear motivator for these leaders to advocate for pedestrian-oriented design and infrastructure. This fact sheet profiles examples of walkable design leading to higher property values, increased private investment, tourism, and citywide, to a good climate for the businesses of the New Economy.

The Economic Benefits of Walkable Communities (PDF, 788 KB).

This project was funded by the Physical Activity and Health Initiative, California Department of Health Services under a Preventive Health Services Block Grant from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Work performed as part of a UC San Francisco contract.