A healthy tree canopy, vibrant urban parks, and an extensive network of fully accessible trails and bicycle lanes for non-motorized transportation are key factors in both the economic rejuvenation of older urban centers and the physical health of our nation’s citizens.

In addition, making sure that citizens living in core areas of older industrial communities have access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods is essential to the overall health of our nation.  The Revitalizing Older Cities Initiative researches a variety of federal policy areas and provides information to Congress about programs that can significantly enhance the health and overall livability of older industrial communities.

For example, in the last reauthorization of the federal surface transportation legislation, SAFETEA-LU 2005, the establishment of a non-motorized transportation enhancement pilot program allocated $25 million to four communities.  With this federal funding, communities are able to plan for, implement, and promote walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation.  The social, economic, and environmental benefits of non-motorized transportation are well documented, and the Revitalizing Older Cities Initiative aims to demonstrate how these success stories can serve as an example for future legislation and ensure the continuation of the federal pilot program.

As part of the Revitalizing Older Cities Initiative, the Institute prepares reports and briefs members of Congress on the positive outcomes associated with promoting healthy lifestyles in urban areas.  In addition, the Institute highlights how successful remediation and transformation of former blighted land to urban parks can drastically improve the social, environmental, and economic prosperity of a city or town.  In recent months, the Institute has organized briefings to discuss the successful urban farms of Detroit and other communities, and the beautification of vacant lots in Philadelphia.   The Healthy Livable Communities issue area of the Revitalizing Older Cities Initiative encompasses many federal policy areas that present numerous legislative opportunities for positive change.

For related policy works on food access, see Agriculture and Food pages.