WHERE MATTERS is a unique collaboration between researchers and local and regional partners who span health, land use, and transportation sectors. Come and view innovative new evidence showing how walkability, transit access, and greenspace are associated with reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stress; and with increased sense of community and physical activity. Public presentations and discussions will focus on how to use results within a broad array of decision-making contexts.

The event will include five thematic discussions in the afternoon session. Each guest will be able to attend two sessions. You will select your sessions during event registration (see link at the bottom of the page).

Session 1: TOD Business Case:  Policies to promote fixed guideway transit investment integrated with high density walkable development based on predicted reductions in chronic disease and associated health care cost savings

Session 2: Green Space: Investments in parks, green space, and open space programs to foster increased access to recreational environments based on predicted physical and mental (sense of community and social capital) benefits and health care cost savings

Session 3: Active Transportation Planning: Application of results demonstrating health and economic benefits of investing in active transportation to help justify increased funding for pedestrian and bike infrastructure and to help with defining needs and prioritizing investments

Session 4: Land Use Scenario Planning: Regulatory and fiscal policies to support increased access to shops and services and overall land use mix and densification and creation of contrasting future growth scenarios linked with health outcomes and costs

Session 5: Health Equity: Investing in underserved communities where transit, active transportation, greenspace, and policies to promote local access to shops and services are most needed to reduce the chronic disease burden born by the most disadvantaged