Comprehensive land use plans are blueprints for future development helping local governments to plan for health. These plans keep the community’s health in mind by taking into consideration physical activity opportunities like riding your bike in a well-defined bike lane or walking around town on sidewalks. In the past, cities were less likely to consider the community’s health when planning for future development. Now, communities across the United States are incorporating health considerations into planning by adding bike lanes when repaving existing roads, creating more sidewalks and designating areas for parks.
Allied plans are a part of the healthy planning process that help build support for integrating health considerations into comprehensive plans. These plans are often an initial step communities can take to enhance 1-2 smaller elements such as walking trails or bicycle lanes which can ultimately lead to the development of a comprehensive plan in the future. Please click on the link below to learn more about planning for health through the development of comprehensive and/or allied plans.
North Carolina is served by 16 regional councils in a broad range of services to local governments including but not limited to: community & economic development, workforce development, state & federal program management, planning & GIS mapping services, grant writing, regional collaboration and partnership building. To learn more about planning projects in your area visit the North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Government website: http://www.ncregions.org/regional-map/
For more information on how to make your community a healthier place to live, work and play visit: http://www.takesteptwo.com/