final report and recommendations - iowa healthiest staterecommendation #1: design a collaborative...

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CollaborativeWorkshoponWalkableCommunitiesinIowa

Tuesday,August2nd,8:30am-4:00pmWellmarkYMCA,KnappLearningCenter,501GrandAvenue,DesMoines

FinalReportandRecommendations

RecommendationsinBrief:

Recommendation#1:Designacollaborativeplanningprocess

Recommendation#2:

Deploypartnerorganizationstolaythegroundworkforchange

Recommendation#3:DevelopacommunicationscampaignthattargetsIowacommunities

Recommendation#4:

Developanddelivertrainingprogramsatmultiplelevels

Recommendation#5:Identifyfundingsourcesforinfrastructurechanges

IanThomas,AmericaWalksGaryToth,ProjectforPublicSpaces

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ExecutiveSummary

AnAugust,2016collaborativehealthandtransportationworkshopwasheldtoaddresswalkablecommunitiesinIowa.TheworkshopwasfacilitatedbyAmericaWalksandtheProjectforPublicSpaces.Thepurposeoftheworkshopwastobringtogetherleadersfrommultiplesectorstostartalong-termstatewideplanningprocessforexpandingwalkablecommunitiesinIowa.Itsspecificgoalswereto:

1. ImproveunderstandingandstrengthenrelationshipsamongIowaDepartmentofPublicHealth(IDPH),IowaDepartmentofTransportation(IowaDOT),IowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority(IEDA),andotherpartners.

2. Explorebenefitsofincreasedcollaboration,communication,andcoordinationbetweenagenciesinpromotingwalkingandwalkablecommunities.

3. EngageDepartmentDirectorsandrequestfeedbackonproposaltodevelopa"CollaborativeFrameworkonWalkingandWalkableCommunities."

4. Agreeonaplanningprocess,tobefacilitatedbyHealthiestStateInitiative(HSI),formovingforward.

Thisreportsummarizesthepresentationsmade,discussionsheld,andideasgeneratedduringtheworkshop,andincludesrecommendationsfornextstepsforthepartnership.Recommendation#1:Designacollaborativeplanningprocess.• HSI,IDPH,IowaDOT,IEDA,andStatewideUrbanDesignandSpecifications(SUDAS)

conveneaseriesofmeetingstoreviewthereport,drafta2-yearactionplan,andreconveneallofthepartnersfromtheAugustworkshop.

Recommendation#2:Deploypartnerorganizationstolaythegroundworkforchange.• IDPHleadacommunityoutreachteam,madeupprimarilyofpartnerswithstrong,

engagedstatewidenetworks.ThisteamwillidentifyexistingcommunicationchannelsandusethemtopromotethebenefitsofIowawalkablecommunities.

Recommendation#3:DevelopacommunicationscampaignthattargetsIowacommunities.• IEDAleadacommunicationsteam,todesignanddevelopthecommunicationsmaterials

tobedisseminatedbytheCommunityOutreachTeam.Thiswillincludecreatingabrand,website,marketingmaterials,etc.

Recommendation#4:Developanddelivertrainingprogramsatmultiplelevels.• IowaDOTandSUDASco-leadteamtoprovidetrainingtobothtransportation/planning

professionalsandcommunityleaders.ThiswillincludeTransportationandLandUsePlanningtrainingforIowaDOT,MPOs,RPAs,andlocalplannersandengineers,aPedestrianPlanningAssistanceforCommunitiestraining,andIowaWalkingCollege.

Recommendation#5:Identifyfundingsourcesforinfrastructurechanges.• Formafundingteamtoexplorefundingoptionsforplanningandbuildingmore

walkablecommunityprojects.

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TableofContents

Background 4WorkshopGoals 5WorkshopParticipants 5MorningSessions:

WelcomeandIntroductions 7 Presentation:CollaboratingforWalkableCommunities: BenefitsandNationalBestPractices 8 PanelDiscussion:Inter-AgencyCollaboration forWalkableCommunitiesinIowa 9 WalkabilityAudits 11AfternoonSessions:

CollaborationMultiplierAssetMappingExercise 12 CollaborationMultiplierStrategicPlanningActivity 18 WorkshopReviewandKeyTake-Aways 20 RecommendationsforNextSteps 20Conclusion 26Appendices:

1:WorkshopEvaluation 28 2:CollaborationsbetweenTransportationand HealthDepartmentsinOtherStates 31

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BackgroundIowaHealthiestStateInitiative(HSI)isanonpartisan,nonprofitorganizationthatseekstomakeIowathehealthieststateinthenationbyengagingworksites,communities,schools,retailfood,organizations,institutionsandindividuals.In2015,HSIconvenedpublic,privateandnonprofitpartnersfromacrossthestateforastrategicplanningprocesswhoseoutcomewastodevelopacommonmessagearoundtheimportanceofwalkingandwalkablecommunities.Recognizingthatwalkingistheeasiest,mostnatural,andleastexpensiveformofphysicalactivity,theIowaDepartmentofPublicHealth(IDPH)isansweringtheSurgeonGeneral’scalltoactiontopromotewalkingandwalkability.ThedepartmentrecentlyconvenedaninformalgroupofIowansinterestedinincreasingwalkingandbikingthroughoutIowa.ActiveLivingIowabringstogetherpartnersfrompublichealth,transportation,economicdevelopment,theprivatesector,nonprofitorganizationsandothersinterestedinactiveliving.Walkingisarecognizedmodeoftransportation.Whetheryouliveinacityorasmalltown,andwhetheryoudriveacar,takethebusorrideatrainoryourbicycle,atsomepointintheday,everyoneisapedestrian.ThemissionoftheIowaDepartmentofTransportation(IowaDOT)istogeteveryonetotheirdestinationssafely,efficientlyandconveniently:"Smarter|Simpler|CustomerDriven."AshometoIowa’sCommunityDevelopmentDivision,DowntownResourceCenter,StateEnergyOffice,andTourismOffice,theIowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority(IEDA)hasavestedinterestinincreasingthewalkabilityofIowa’scommunities.ManyofIEDA'sprogramsusepolicyandfinancialincentivestopromotewalkablecommunitiesbecausetheyincreaseeconomicperformancebyprovidingbetteraccesstoservices,improvingenergyperformance,andattractingemployees,employers,andtourists.In2016,theDesMoinesAreaMetropolitanPlanningOrganization(MPO)wasacceptedtoparticipateinan"ActionInstituteonWalkingandWalkability”hostedbytheNationalAssociationofChronicDiseaseDirectorsandfundedbytheU.S.CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC).TheteamincludedrepresentativesfromtheMPO,theCityofDesMoinesMayor’sOfficeandEngineeringDepartment,DesMoinesPublicSchools,IDPH,andHSI.FollowingtheActionInstitute,thisteamischargedwithimplementingawalkabilityactionplanforhealthier,moremobilecommunities.OnMay19th,2016,HealthiestStateInitiativehosteditsannualconferencewiththetheme,"StepItUpIowa,"andkickedoffitsnewstatewidewalkingandwalkabilitycampaign.Then,onAugust2nd,HSI,AmericaWalks,andtheProjectforPublicSpacesfacilitateda"CollaborativeWorkshoponWalkableCommunitiesinIowa"withfundingfromtheCDCandAmericanPublicHealthAssociation(APHA).

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WorkshopGoalsThepurposeoftheworkshopwastobringtogetherleadersfrommultiplesectorstostartalong-termstatewideplanningprocessforexpandingwalkablecommunitiesinIowa.Itsspecificgoalswereto:

1. ImproveunderstandingandstrengthenrelationshipsamongIDPH,IowaDOT,IEDA,andotherpartners

2. Explorebenefitsofincreasedcollaboration,communication,andcoordinationbetweenagenciesinpromotingwalkingandwalkablecommunities

3. EngageDepartmentDirectorsandrequestfeedbackonproposaltodevelopa"CollaborativeFrameworkonWalkingandWalkableCommunities"

4. Agreeonaplanningprocess,tobefacilitatedbyHSI,formovingforwardThisreportsummarizesthepresentationsmade,discussionsheld,andideasgeneratedduringtheworkshop,andincludesrecommendationsfornextstepsforthepartnership.

WorkshopParticipantsIowaDepartmentofPublicHealth(IDPH):

• GerdClabaugh,Director• SarahTaylorWatts,PhysicalActivityCoordinator• CarmilyStone,BureauChief• JillLange,BureauChief,Nutrition&HealthPromotion• KalaShipley,SIMProjectManager• MaggieFerguson,BrainInjuryandDisabilityProgramManager

IowaDepartmentofTransportation(IowaDOT):

• PaulTrombino,DirectorofOperations• MillyOrtizPagan,StatePedestrianBicycleCoordinator• SamSturtz,TransportationPlanner• JeremyJohnsonMiller,TransitProgramsAdministrator• JohnDostart,UrbanEngineer

IowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority(IEDA):

• DebiDurham,Director• JeffGeerts,SpecialProjectsManagerforCommunityDevelopment

OtherStateAgencies:

• ScottMichelson(IowaDepartmentofNaturalResources)

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StatewideUrbanDesignandSpecifications(SUDAS),IowaStateUniversity:• PaulWiegand,Director

IowaHealthiestStateInitiative(HSI):

• JamiHaberl,ExecutiveDirector• SarahReichardt,DirectorofOperations• ArynMcLaren,DirectorofPrograms• MitchAnderson,ICHAPmember• KatherineDykes

Metropolitan/RegionalPlanningAgencies:

• ToddAshby(DesMoinesAreaMPO)• MikeArmstrong(DesMoinesAreaMPO)• CodieLeseman(IowaNorthlandReg.CouncilofGovernments,Waterloo)• JackiSchares(IowaNorthlandReg.CouncilofGovernments,Waterloo)• GenaMcCullough(Bi-StateRegionalCommission)• BryanSchmid(Bi-StateRegionalCommission)• AshleyChristensen(UpperExplorerlandRegionalPlanningCommission)

LocalGovernment:

• MayorFrankCownie(CityofDesMoines)• PaGoldbeck(CityofDesMoines)• ElizabethPresutti(DART)

Non-GovernmentOrganizations:

• CraigHanken(IowaAllianceofYMCAs)• TylerWeig(YMCAofGreaterDesMoines)• MegSchneider(GreaterDesMoinesPartnership)• TroyCarter(IowaBikeCoalition)• MarkWyatt(IowaBikeCoalition)• LeslieBerckes(TreesForever)• JohnPeterson(IowaPublicHealthAssociation)• CarrieMueller(AmericanHeartAssociation)• AnnMansfield(NEIowaFoodandFitness)• ElinAmundson(NEIowaFoodandFitness)• MaryLawyer(WellmarkBCBS)• KentSovern(AARP)

WorkshopFacilitators

• IanThomas(AmericaWalks)• GaryToth(ProjectforPublicSpaces)

SpecialGuest

• TomSchmid(U.S.CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention)

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WelcomeandIntroductionsThemorningsessionstartedwithawelcomefromJamiHaberl,ExecutiveDirectoroftheIowaHealthiestStateInitiative.First,JamiinvitedTomSchmidtointroducehimself.TomistheLeadBehavioralScientistwiththePhysicalActivityandHealthBranchoftheU.S.CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC).TomistheCDCprojectofficeroverseeingfundingforthisworkshopandothersbeingcoordinatedbyAmericaWalks.Then,Jamiinvitedeachparticipanttointroduceherself/himself,anddescribewhyshe/hewantstoseemorewalkablecommunitiesinIowa.Herearetheresponses,displayedina"wordcloud"format:Next,Jamiintroducedthefacilitatorsfortheworkshop-IanThomas,StateandLocalProgramDirectorwithAmericaWalksandGaryToth,SeniorDirectorforTransportationInitiativeswithProjectforPublicSpaces.Ianreviewedtheworkshopgoalsandtheagendafortheday,andthenmovedintotheopeningpresentation.

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Presentation:CollaboratingforWalkableCommunities-

BenefitsandNationalBestPracticesInthissession,eachfacilitatorgavea20-minutepresentationdesignedtoillustratetheimportanceofexpandingwalkablecommunitiesinIowaandtoexplainwhythehealthandtransportationsectors(andotherpartners)mustcollaboratetomakethishappen.IanprovideddatashowingthatthecostofhealthcareasapercentageofGrossDomesticProductisrisingunsustainably,andthathealthcareservicesandeducationhaveonlyasmallimpactontheproblem.Becausethebuiltenvironmentisthemostimportantfactorindetermininghealthbehaviors,andsincepublichealthagencieshavelittleimpactontheenvironment,theymustpartnerwithothers-especiallytransportationandplanning.Next,Garygaveahistoryoftwentieth-centurytransportationplanningintheU.S.DuetotheAmerican"loveaffairwiththeautomobile,"federalandstatetransportationagencieswereinstructed(andgenerouslyfunded)todesignandbuildamassivehighwayandstreetsystemthatwasintendedtoenableprivatecarstotravelquicklyandefficientlythroughouttheircity,theregion,andthecountry.Overseveraldecades,ithasbecomeapparentthatthereareseriousdrawbackstowhatisnowseenasanover-relianceontheautomobile-health,safety,pollution,qualityoflife,cost,etc.Publichealthprofessionals,withtheirexperienceincommunityengagementanddataanalysis,canassisttransportationplannersandengineersinmovingtowardsamoremulti-modalfuture.Redesigningcommunitiessotheyaresafe,convenient,andattractiveforpeopletowalktonearbydestinationsisacriticalcomponentofthisnewapproach.Finally,inthissession,examplesofeffectivecollaborationamongstate-levelHealth,TransportationandCommerceDepartmentsandthenon-profitsectorinMinnesota,Oregon,Massachusetts,NorthCarolina,Arkansas,Kentucky,Colorado,andMontanawerepresented.ThisinformationisincludedinAppendix2.Toillustratethediversebenefitsofwalkablecommunities,aCollaborativeFrameworkofAligningPrinciples,developedbytheMontanateaminpreparationforaparallelworkshop,waspresented.Thesixaligningprinciplesare:

1. Safety2. MobilityandAccess3. EconomicVitality4. QualityofLife5. HealthandEnvironment6. Equity

MoreinformationaboutMontana'sCollaborativeFrameworkofAligningPrinciplesisprovidedinAppendix2.

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PanelDiscussion:Inter-AgencyCollaborationforWalkableCommunitiesinIowa

Followingashortbreak,staffmembersfromthethreestateagencieswhoorganizedtheworkshopprovidedinformationaboutexistingprogramstoexpandwalkablecommunitiesinIowa,andhowcollaborationcouldadvancetheeffort,andparticipatedinadiscussionwiththeirDepartmentDirectors.Thepresenterswere:

• SarahTaylorWatts,PhysicalActivityCoordinator,IowaDepartmentofPublicHealth(IDPH)

• MillyOrtizPagan,StatePedestrianandBicycleCoordinator,IowaDepartmentofTransportation(IowaDOT)

• JeffGeertsSpecialProjectsManagerforCommunityDevelopment,IowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority(IEDA)

Summaryofpresentations(fourkeyquestions)1.HowdoesmyDepartment'smission/valuesalignwithwalkability?

• IDPH:Walkingandwalkabilityleadtoimprovedpopulationhealth;supportforSurgeonGeneral'sCalltoActiononwalkingandwalkablecommunities

• IowaDOT:Everyoneisapedestrian;walkingisarecognizedmodeoftransportation;focusongettingyoutheresafely,efficiently,andconveniently

• IEDA:Walkabledesignstrengthenseconomicandcommunityvitality,andmakesIowathechoiceforpeopleandbusinesses

2.WhatcurrentDepartmentprogramsandfundingaddresswalkingandwalkability?

• IowaDOT:Federalfundingprograms(TAP,SRTS,etc.);Iowabicycleandpedestrianplan;ADAtransitionplan,safetyprogramsandpublictransit

• IEDA:MainStreetIowa;IowaDowntownResourceCenter;IowaGreenStreetsCriteriaandGreenSiteCertification;RedevelopmentandWorkforceHousingTaxCreditPrograms;StateEnergyOfficeandEnergyPlan

• IDPH:Completestreetspolicies;ActiveLivingIowapartnership;I-WALK3.WhatcurrentbarriersandchallengesareexperiencedbyDepartment?

• IEDA:Poorcommunication;lackoffundingforplanning;lackofinformationaboutbenefitsofwalkablecommunities;resistancetochange;missedopportunities

• IDPH:Limitedstaffcapacity;healthmessageislessconvincingthaneconomicmessage;lackofvocabulary/understandingoftransportationplanningprocessandtimingforpublicinput;lackofknowledgeaboutfundingmechanisms

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• IowaDOT:Fundinglimitations;multi-jurisdictioncooperation;publicperceptions;balancingexpectations(urban/rural,older/youngerdrivers;changinglanduses)

4.Howcouldtheothertwoagencieshelpovercomebarriers?

• IDPH:Expandpartnerships(Bicycle/PedestrianAdvisoryCommittee,ActiveLivingIowa);unifiedvoiceonwalkable/bikeablecommunities;trainingandresources

• IowaDOT:MorecollaborationwithIDPHthroughB/PAdvisoryCommittee,etc.:withIEDAthroughIowaScenicBywaysandTrailsprogram;betterunderstandingofpolicies,programs,andfunding.;whomtocontact?

• IEDA:BetterBlocktrainingproposal;understandIowaDOTtimelines;educateIowaDOTondowntowncontext;consistentmessagingonhealthbenefitsofwalking;workwithIDPHonparkingordinances

ResponsesbyDepartmentDirectorsIowaDOTDirectorPaulTrombinoexpressedaconcernthata“completestreets”philosophycreatesoverlywidestreets,butmentionedsupportfora“shareduse”approachwithutilitiesinthe"rightofway."WhileIowaDOTdoesagoodjobwithinter-citytransportationsystems,hestatedthattheagencyshoulddefermoretolocalcommunitiesandpartnershipsfordecisionswithincitiesorevenhandoverhighwaystocitiesforredesign(ashasbeendoneinCouncilBluffs).DirectorTrombinoacknowledgedthatI-235indowntownDesMoines"lookslikeascar"butexplainedthatIowaDOToftenfindsitself“inthemiddleofalocalfight.”TheagencyhasastrongpartnershipwiththeDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandsupports"greenstorm-waterinfrastructure."IEDADirectorDebiDurhamsupportsaholisticapproachtogrowth.Iowaisfoodproducerstateandneedstobeabletomovefreightefficiently.Fromaneconomicdevelopmentperspective,it'scriticaltodesignandbuildthetypesofcommunitiespeoplewanttolivein,andthisfocuseson"infilldevelopment,"re-habbingupperstories,andincreasingdensity.Communitiesneedtoattractentrepreneurs,manyofwhomaremillennialswhocareabouttheenvironment,wanttolivea"car-lite"lifestyle,andhaveastrongsocialconscience.DirectorDurhamalsomentionedthattheGovernorsupportsinter-agencycollaborationandisworkingtoempowerDirectorstobreakoutoftheirsilosandfindbetterwaystoworktogethertoachievemultiplegoals.IDPHDirectorGerdClabaughexplainedthatthepublichealthsectorthinksaboutat-riskpopulations,suchasseniorcitizens,peoplewithdisabilities,andfamiliesinpoverty.Walkingsavesmoneyforpeopleiftheydonotneedtoownacar,butobesityisgreatestinruralareaswhereone-thirdofIowansliveandwherewalkabilityisdifferentfromtheurbansetting.Hefeelsthattransportationiscriticaltoallissues,andthattheMPOshavedonegoodjobofbringingmoderntransportationissuesforward.Walkablecommunitiesare“inthegap“betweenagencyjurisdictionsandIDPHiscollaboratingwithIowaDOTona“zerofatalities”approachandwithIEDAonjobs,homes,health,andveterans'affairs.

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WalkabilityAuditsToeducateworkshopparticipantswhowereunfamiliarwiththedetailsofwalkablecommunitydesign,andtostimulatefurtherdiscussionoftheseissues,"WalkabilityAudits"werecoordinatedbeforelunch.Two1.5-mileloopsstartingandendingattheKnappLearningCenter(onetothenorthandonetothesouth)werechosenandworkshopparticipantsweredividedintofourgroups,eachofwhichwalkedoneoftheloopsineitheraclockwiseorcounter-clockwisedirection.Membersofthesameagencyororganization(suchasIowaDepartmentofPublicHealthorIowaBicycleCoalition)weredistributedamongdifferentgroups,eachofwhichwasledbyanexperiencedwalkauditleader(Ian,Gary,Sarah-TW,andMilly).Andeachparticipantwasgivenachecklistofitemstolookforandevaluateashavingeitherapositiveornegativeimpactonwalkability.Thechecklistincluded:

• Buildingwithlargeblankwall• Fast,noisytraffic• Historicbuildingwithattractivearchitecture • On-streetparking• One-waystreet • Pedestrian"bulb-out"atintersection• Streettrees • Six-laneInterstateinthemiddleofthecity• Widedrivewayacrosssidewalk

Asparticipantsreturnedfromthe"WalkabilityAudits,"theywereaskedtositattableswithmembersoftheirownagency,organization,orsector,inpreparationfortheafternoon'sCollaborationMultiplieractivities,asfollows:

• Table1:IowaDept.ofPublicHealth• Table2:IowaDept.ofTransportation• Table3:Otherstateagencies(IEDAandIDNR),andSUDAS• Table4:Metropolitan/RegionalPlanningAgencies• Table5:Health-focusednon-profits(AHA,IPHA,WellmarkBCBS,NEIowaFoodand

Fitness,andAARP)• Table6:Othernon-profits(YMCA,GreaterDesMoinesPartnership,IowaBike

Coalition,andTreesForever)Whilstparticipantsatelunch,theydiscussedtheirexperiencesonthe"WalkabilityAudits."Theobservationwasmadethatthetwoloopswerequitedifferent-whereasthe"northloop"quicklyenteredanareaofwide,high-volumestreetswithpoorsidewalkconnectivityandinvolvedacrossingofthesix-laneI-35highway,the"southloop"wasalmostentirelyonlow-traffic,urbanstreetsandincludedariverwalkandotherpedestrian-onlyareas.

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CollaborationMultiplierPartnershipAsset-MappingExercise

DataCollectionfromIndividualAgencies/SectorsInthefirstpartofthisasset-mappingexercise,membersofeachofthesixtablesworkedasagrouptodevelopanswerstothefollowingquestions:

1. Whyiswalkabilityimportanttomy/ourorganization?2. Whatdesiredoutcomesororganizationalgoalsdowehaveinthisarea?3. Whatassets,strengths,andexpertisedoesmyorganization/sectorbringtoa

partnershipfocusedonwalkablecommunities?4. Whatexistingprograms,partnerships,anddatacanwecontributetothis

partnership?5. Whatbarriersandchallengesdoweface,withwhichotherpartnerscanhelpus?

1.Whyiswalkabilityimportanttomy/ourorganization?Table1:IowaDept.ofPublicHealth

• Walkabilityisphysicalactivityandprovidesaccesstoservices• IDPHwantstobealeaderinthemovementandberecognizedasmuch

Table2:IowaDept.ofTransportation

• Walkingcanassistinachievingsafetyandmobility• TransportationisIowaDOT'smission

Table3:Otherstateagencies(IEDAandIDNR),andSUDAS

• Providesmobilityforallusers-notjustthosewhocanaffordacarorhaveaccesstotransit

• Attractsemployees-andthenemployersTable4:Metropolitan/RegionalPlanningAgencies

• Enhancesqualityoflifeincommunities• Assistsin"AgeFriendlyCommunities"

Table5:Health-focusednon-profits

• Walkablecommunitiespossessmoreauthenticyandidentity• Fosterssocialconnections

Table6:Othernon-profits

• Itprovidesagateway–acommongoal–toconnectalloftheagencies• Bringspeopletogether

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2.Whatdesiredoutcomesororganizationalgoalsdowehaveinthisarea?Table1:IowaDept.ofPublicHealth

• Healthypeoplelivinginhealthycommunities• IDPHrecognizedasaresourceforhealthandtransportation


• Acustomerdrivenapproach-embeddedinthisistheunderstandingthatcommunitiesareincreasinglyseekingwalkablecommunitiesandIowaDOTwantstoberesponsive

• Findingwaysforagencies/NGOstoworktogethertoremovethephysicalbarrierstowalkability


• Providelinksbetweenparksandendusersincommunities• Robustandresilientinfrastructure-communitieswherefolkscanwalktonecessities

andconnectwitheachother• Provideoptionsafternaturaldisastersdecimateinfrastructure

Table4:Metropolitan/RegionalPlanningAgencies

• Modeshifttowalking• Opportunitiestoexpandthoseinvolvedintheconversationaboutdesignof

transportationandcommunitiesTable5:Health-focusednon-profits

• Improvedhealth• Saveruralcommunities(developmentdesignedforwalkabilityismorecompactand

doesn’tgobbleuprurallandscapesasdoesautocentricdevelopment)Table6:Othernon-profits

• Reducehealthcarecosts• Savelives

3.Whatassets,strengths,andexpertisedoesmyorganization/sectorbringtoapartnershipfocusedonwalkablecommunities?Table1:IowaDept.ofPublicHealth

• Passionatestaff;canprovideleadershipsupport• Relationshipswithcommunitybasedorganizations


• Engineeringknowledgeofdesignsthatwork• Abilitytoconvenemanyofthecustomersandpartners,throughprogramsand

processes

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Table3:Otherstateagencies(IEDAandIDNR),andSUDAS• Jointfundingandleveragingassets• Designandconstructionstandards


• Data/geographicalmappinganalysis• Abilitytofacilitateplanningforthefuture


• Experiencewithdatafocuseddecision-making• Statewidereach


• Largeconstituency;abilitytoengagethem• Trustedfacilitators

4.Whatexistingprograms,partnerships,anddatacanwecontributetothispartnership?Table1:IowaDept.ofPublicHealth

• Knowledgeofbestpractices• County-levelhealthdataandperceptiondata• Modelpolicies


• Statewideandnationalpartnerships• Transportationdata,e.g.crashdataandtrafficcounts• Funding,e.gTAPandSafety(HSIP/TSIP)


• Fundingopportunities–connectingneedstoopportunities• StateParkandInstitutionalRoadfundingprogram


• Multipleadvisorygroups,e.g.trails,policy,etc.• Cancuratedataandbestpracticesforcommunitiesandotheragencies


• RuralregionalSRTSmodel• AARPLivabilityIndex;factsheets


• BlueZones• Communityplanning/visioningassistance(candoitforthem)

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5.Whatbarriersandchallengesdoweface,withwhichotherpartnerscanhelpus?Table1:IowaDept.ofPublicHealth

• Weakrelationshipswithcities• Healthmessagehasnotbeenselling


• Localsoftenhavedifficultyfindingfundingmatch• Lackoftrustinthecommunities


• Lackofcommunicationbetweenagencies• Lackofplanning


• Gettingmessagingheardoverbackgroundnoise• Suspicionofplanningprocess,viewedas"topdown"(e.g.Agenda21opposition)


• Lackofcapacityincommunicatingwithagencies• Lackofconsistentandreliablelongtermfundingtosustainprograms


• Gettingentitiestotaketimetodoplanning• Folksdon’tunderstandwhyYMCAisinvolvedinthesemissions

CombiningPartnerInputtoDevelopDraftCollaborativeModelInthesecondpartofthisexercise,theindividualpartneragencies/sectorsreportedouttothefacilitators,whocombinedresponsestodevelopa"CollaborativeModel"thatutilizesthefollowingdiagram:

IDPH

IowaDOT

Otheragencies

Healthnon-profitsandRPOs

Othernon-profits

MPOsandRPOs

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1.ImportanceofWalkability2.DesiredOutcomes/Goals

IDPH:-Physicalactivity-Accesstoservices-IDPHwantstobemovementleader

Othernon-profits:-Gateway/commongoal-Bringspeopletogether

IowaDOT:-Safetyandmobility-Transportationmission

Otheragencies:-Mobilityforall-Attractsemployeesandemployers

MPOs/RPAs:-EnhancesQOL-Age-friendlycommunities

Healthnon-profits:-Fosterssocialconnections-Authenticity/identity

IDPH:-Healthypeople-Healthycommunities-IDPHrecognizedasresource

Othernon-profits:-Reducehealthcarecosts-Savelives

IowaDOT:-Removebarrierstowalkability-Beresponsivetodesireforwalkability

Otheragencies:-Robustandresilientinfrastructure-Linkparksandusers

MPOs/RPAs:-Modeshifttowalking-Expandconversationaboutcommunitydesign

Healthnon-profits:-Improvedhealth-Saveruralcommunities

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3.Assets,Strengths,Expertise4.Programs,Partnerships,Data

IDPH:-Passionatestaff-Relationshipswithcommunities

Othernon-profits:-Trustedfacilitators-Engagedwithlargeconstituency

IowaDOT:-Engineering/designskills-Abilitytoconvene

Otheragencies:-Funding/leveraging-Design/constructionstandards

MPOs/RPAs:-Data/mappinganalysis-Planningforthefuture

Healthnon-profits:-Data-focuseddecisionmaking-Statewidereach

IDPH:-Bestpractices-County-levelhealth/perceptiondata-Modelpolicies

Othernon-profits:-BlueZones-Planning/visioningassistance

IowaDOT:-State/federalpartnerships-Crashdata/trafficcounts-TAP/HSIP,etc.funding

Otheragencies:-Funding-StatePark/InstitutionalRoadprogram

MPOs/RPAs:-Advisorygroups-Curatorofdataandbestpractices

Healthnon-profits:-RuralSRTSmodel-AARPLivabilityIndex-Factsheets

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5.Barriers/Challenges

Thefacilitatorscapturedalloftheoutputfromthisasset-mappingactivityonthesefiveCollaborativeMultiplier"wheel"diagrams-thereby,presentingthedatainawaythatmakesiteasytospotsynergiesbetweendifferentpartners.

CollaborationMultiplierStrategicPlanningActivity

Forthisfinalactivity,workshopparticipantsweremixedupagain.By"countingaround"ateachtable,allofthestafffromIDPHmovedtodifferenttables,thesameforallofthestafffromIowaDOT,andfromtheplanningorganizationsandnon-profits,etc.Participantsateachofthesenew,mixeduptablesthenworkedtogethertoanswerthefollowingthreequestions:

1. Howcanmyorganizationhelpanotherorganizationovercomeitsbarriers?2. Howcananotherorganizationhelpmyorganizationovercomeourbarriers?3. Whataretheimportantsharedgoals/outcomesthroughouttheroom?

IDPH:-Weakrelationshipswithcities-Healthmessagenotselling

Othernon-profits:-Takingtimetoplan-YMCAnotseenasnaturalpartner

IowaDOT:-Lowtrustincommunities-Localfundingmatchhardtofind

Otheragencies:-Poorinter-agencycommunication-Lackofplanning

MPOs/RPAs:-Gettingmessageout-Suspicionof"top-down"planningprocess

Healthnon-profits:-Lackofcapacityforcommunication-Lackofsustainablefunding

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IanandGaryfacilitateda"report-out"fromallofthetablesandcapturedalloftheideasonflipchartsheets.Hereisasummaryofthisfinaloutput. Strategiesforpartnerstohelpeachotherovercomebarriers:

• Allpartnerssharetheirdatawitheachother− IowaDOTandIDPHhavelargequantitiesofvaluabledata− Synthesize/overlaycrashdataandtrafficvolumeswithhealthrisksandpoverty

data− MPOsandRPAshaveskillsincuratingthedata

• Allpartnerssharebestpracticesandtechnicalexpertisewitheachother

− IowaDOTandSUDAShavedesign/engineeringexpertisetosharewithIDPHandothers

− MPOs/RPASandIEDAhaveplanningexpertisetosharewithIDPH− IDPH,AARP,YMCA,andTreesForeverhaveadvocacyexpertisetosharewith

IowaDOT,MPOs/RPASandothers− Somepartnershavegrant-writingandfundraisingexpertisetosharewithothers− Plannershelpeveryonebyconnectingallthedots

• Partnersconductmoreresearchtofillgaps

− HowdoesIowaDOTexplainitsinterestinlivablecommunities?− Whatarethedifferentbenefitsofwalkabilityinurbanandruralsettings?− NorthEastIowaFoodandFitnessunderstandsruralareas;IowaLeagueofCities

understandsurbansetting− Createresourcemapstoillustratewhichpartnershavewhichknowledge

• Improveeffectivenessofcommunications

− Alignmessagingamongallpartners− Developevidence-basedcommunicationcampaignaboutbenefitsofwalkable

communities− Leveragepartnerswithstatewidenetworks(eg.AARP,YMCA,TreesForever,

Wellmark)toimpactlargeraudiences− MPOs/RPAscanhelpoutreachtonewcommunities− Crediblepartnersconnectwithelectedofficials

• Engagestateandlocalelectedofficials

− Createcompellingbriefsaboutwalkabilitybenefits− Lineuplocalsupportinadvanceforgoodplans(suchasIowaDOT"roaddiet"or

IEDA"greenstreets/infrastructure"project)− Providepoliticalcoverwhenanofficialgetsbehindaprogressiveprojector

whenanagency(e,g.IowaDOT)stepsoutsideofitshistoricmission− Holdofficialsaccountableiftheydonotsupportinggoodprojectsandprograms

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Sharedgoalsamongall/mostpartners:

• Safeandlivableplaces• Communityandsocialconnectedness• Multimodaltransportationaccessibletoallusers• Communitiesthatcombinehealth,safety,andeconomicdevelopment• Integrationoftransportationandland-useplanningprocesses• Desireamongstparticipantstodeliverasharedmessage

WorkshopReviewandKeyTake-AwaysIntheclosingsessionoftheday,Jamiannouncedseveralupcomingevents,gavehersummaryoftheworkshop,andfacilitatedafinaldiscussionamongparticipants.Thefollowingkeytake-awaysand"Aha!Moments"werenoted:

• Itwasimpressivethatmultipledepartmentswereatthetable• Alloftheparticipatinggroupssharealargenumberofcommongoals• IowaDOTisnottrustedbycommunities,whereasIDPH,andparticularlylocalhealth

departments,aretrusted• Publicmessagingmustbesharpandrobusttocompetewithcommercialadvertising• It'simportanttorallypoliticalleadershipandsupportthosewho“dotherightthing”

RecommendationsforNextStepsRecommendation1:DesignacollaborativeplanningprocessInaSeptember6thpost-workshopcall,theplanningteamagreedthatthefirstthreegoalssetbytheteamfortheworkshophadbeenaccomplished,whereasthefourthhadnot.Theworkshopwasfullysuccessfulinitseffortsto:

1. ImproveunderstandingandstrengthenrelationshipsamongIDPH,IowaDOT,IEDA,andotherpartners

2. Explorebenefitsofincreasedcollaboration,communication,andcoordinationbetweenagenciesinpromotingwalkingandwalkablecommunities

3. EngageDepartmentDirectorsandrequestfeedbackonproposaltodevelopa"CollaborativeFrameworkonWalkingandWalkableCommunities"

However,therewasnottimeduringtheworkshopto:

4. Agreeonaplanningprocess,tobefacilitatedbyHSI,formovingforward

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WhileconsiderableprogresswasmadeinidentifyingdifferentwaysthepartnerscouldworktogethertoincreasewalkingandpromotewalkablecommunitiesthroughoutIowa,therewasnodiscussionofwheneveryonewouldmeetagainorhowthepartnershipwouldoperate.Althoughallofthegovernmentagencies,planningorganizations,andnon-profitgroupscommittedtocontinuingtoworktogether,noplansfornextstepsweremade.Therefore,ourfirstrecommendationisfortheoriginalplanningteamtotakeonthattask.WesuggestthatHealthiestStateInitiative(JamiandSarah-R)conveneaseriesofmeetingswithIDPH(Sarah-TW),IowaDOT(Milly),IEDA(Jeff),andSUDAS(Paul),designedto:

• Reviewanddiscussthisreportandrecommendations;• Developadraft2-yearActionPlanbasedontherecommendationsinthisreport;• StudytheoutputofCollaborationMultiplieractivityandcreateamodelillustrating

whichpartnerscanbestcontributeinwhichparticularways;• Coordinateahalf-dayorfull-dayworksessioninthespringof2017,andinviteallof

theparticipantsfromtheAugustworkshoptoattend;• Atworksession,holdstructureddiscussionsandseekconsensusontheActionPlan.

MostworkshopparticipantsaremembersofActiveLivingIowa-astatewidegroupworkingtoincreasewalking,bikingandotherformsofactivetransportationthrougheducation,policychange,andinfrastructuredevelopment.Sincethisgroupisalreadyestablished,holdsbimonthlymeetings,andisfocusingonencouragingIowacitiestodesignroadsforallusersbypassingCompleteStreetspolicies,itmakessensetoincorporatetheseworkshoprecommendationsintoActiveLivingIowa'sworkplan,goingforward.Wealsorecommendtheplanningteamdisseminatethisreporttoworkshopparticipants,updatepartnersontheworkoftheplanningteam,andannouncethenextsteps.Recommendation2:DeploypartnerorganizationstolaythegroundworkforchangeWerecommendthedraftActionPlanincludeaproposalforthecreationof2or3teams.Eachofthese"ActionTeams"wouldbemadeupof4or5partners(atleastonefromtheplanningteam)andfocusedonaspecificcomponentoftheplan.Itwillbeimportanttohaveaconversationwitheachpartnerorganizationsaboutthelevelofcommitmenttheywillmaketothecollaborativeeffort.MemorandaofAgreementcouldbenegotiatedandsigned,thatlayoutthenumberofActionTeammeetingseachpartnerwillparticipatein,andtheamountofstafftimededicatedtotheworkofthecollaboration.OneoftheteamsshouldbeaCommunityOutreachTeam,madeupofprimarilyofpartnerswithstrong,engagedstatewidenetworks,suchas:

• IDPH(teamlead)• Localpublichealthagencies• IEDA• MPOsandRPAs

• IowaBikeCoalition• IowaAllianceofYMCAs• AARPIowa

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ThegoaloftheCommunityOutreachTeamwouldbetoidentifyexistingcommunicationchannelsandusethemtopromotethebenefitsofwalkablecommunitiesthroughoutIowa.Initialworkmightincludedocumentingthenumberoflocaloffices,paidstaff,volunteers,andmemberstheseorganizationshaveinlocationsthroughoutthestate,aswellasameasureofthelevelsofengagementintheissueofcreatinghealthy,livable,walkablecommunities.Herearesomeotherusefulquestionstoask:

• Howoftendolocalgroupsmeet?• Howmanyfolksattendandwhoarethey?• Whatkindoflocalcommunicationsexist(websites,newsletters,socialmedia)?• Howmuchaccesstoearnedmediadoeseachlocalchaptercommand?

TheCommunityOutreachTeammighttake6monthstodocumentthisinformationandthencreateaDisseminationPlantodelivercommunicationsmaterialsdevelopedunderRecommendation3aseffectivelyandefficientlyaspossible.Recommendation3:DevelopacommunicationscampaignthattargetsIowacommunitiesAnothergroupofpartnersshouldbeassembledasaCommunicationsTeam.TheirgoalwouldbetodesignanddevelopthecommunicationsmaterialsthataredisseminatedbytheCommunityOutreachTeam.Werecommendthefollowingpartners,eachofwhomhascommunications/advocacyskillsand/ortechnicalexpertiseinthebenefitsofactivetransportation,beconsideredasmembersoftheCommunicationsTeam:

• IEDA(teamlead)• IowaPublicHealthAssociation• AmericanHeartAssociation• WellmarkBCBS• IowaDOT• SUDAS• AARPIowa(messagingtoolderadults)• NEIowaFoodandFitness(messaginginruralareas)• TreesForever

WesuggesttheIowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority(IEDA)leadthisteambecausethelocaleconomicdevelopmentargumentsforwalkable,livablecommunitiesarethemostcompelling.Thehealthmessageisalsoimportantforthiscommunicationscampaign,andsotheIowaPublicHealthAssociation,AmericanHeartAssociation,andWellmarkBCBSshouldbeincluded.IowaDOTandSUDASwillbeabletoprovideaccurateinformationabouttransportationtrendsandtheimpactsofspecificprojectssuchassidewalkimprovements,"roaddiets"or"right-sizing,"andbikelanes.Theothermemberssuggestedabovehaveskillsinmessagingtokeygroupsand/orstrongadvocacynetworks.

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TheCommunicationsTeamshouldidentifyfunding,andcreateabrand(suchas“Iowa'sVibrantTowns”),website,emailmarketingsystem,presentation,brochures,etc.TheAARPLivabilityIndexandothertoolscouldbeusedtodevelopmessagingtoemphasizelivabilityandlocaleconomicimpactbenefitsofwalkablecommunities,andcountermythssuchas"fearofdensity”-allbackedwithresearchevidence.TheCommunicationsTeamcouldworkfor6monthstodevelopapilotcampaignandthenhandovertheinitialmaterialstotheCommunityOutreachTeam.Recommendation4:DevelopanddelivertrainingprogramsatmultiplelevelsThethirdteamwefeelshouldbeestablishedistheTrainingTeam.Moderntrainingresourcesoneffective,community-basedland-useandtransportationplanningareavailablefromavarietyofsources,andatavarietyoftechnicallevels.WerecommendIowaDOTandSUDASco-leadthisteam.Becauseofthefocusonplanningforeffectivetransportationsolutions,theMPOsandRPAswillalsobecriticalmembers.Hereareourothersuggestions:

• IowaDOT(teamco-lead)• SUDAS(teamco-lead)• MPOsandRPAs• GreaterDesMoinesPartnership• IDPH• Localpublichealthagencies• IowaBicycleCoalition

Weenvisiontwodistincttypesoftrainingbasedontwoprimarytargetaudiences-transportation/planningprofessionalsandcommunityleaders.Fortransportationandplanningprofessionals,werecommendstartingwiththeNationalHighwayInstitute'sTransportationandLandUsePlanningcourse:https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/course_search.aspx?tab=0&key=Transportation+and+Land+Use+training&sf=0&course_no=151043Primarilytargeting"mid-levelstateDOTemployees,city/countyengineersandplanners,MPOstaff,transitoperators,FHWA,FTA,EPAemployees,andresourceagencystaff,"TransportationandLandUsePlanningisdesignedtohelppractitioners:

1. Developamultimodaltransportationsystemthatsupportsdesiredlanduses,and2. Shapelandusestosupportthetransportationsystem.

Courselessonsincludetheprinciplesoftransportationandlanduse;theprocessesthroughwhichtransportationandlanduseissuescanbejointlyaddressed;andimplementationstepstoensurethattransportationandlandusesystemsaredesignedinacompatible,mutuallysupportivemanner.

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TransportationandLandUsePlanningshouldbeprovidedtoIowaDOT,MPOsandRPAs,andlocalplannersandengineers.TheCommunityOutreachteamcouldhelpidentifytargetsandtheCommunicationsteamcouldpromotethecoursethroughoutthestate.Inadditiontoprovidingthetraining,IowaDOT,SUDAS,andothermembersoftheTrainingTeamshoulddevelopatechnicalsupportprogramforcommunityplanners/officials,utilizingFHWAresourcesandotherbestpractices.Ultimately,IowaDOTanditsstate/regionalpartnersshouldcreateacorridorstudyprocessthatmovesbeyondsimplyinvestigatingcapitalimprovementsandincludesnon-transportationperformancemetrics(health,economicimpact,equity,etc.).Herearesomemodelsfromotherstates:

• WashingtonStateDOT:MovingWashingtonForward:PracticalSolutions(http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/PracticalDesign/)

• NewYorkStateDOT:GreenLITES-GreenLeadershipInTransportationEnvironmentalSustainability(https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/greenlites?nd=nysdot)

• IndianaStateDOT:OpenRoadsPracticalDesign(http://www.in.gov/indot/3261.htm)

• PennsylvaniaStateDOT:PennDOTConnects(announcedinSeptember,2016-detailsnotavailableyet)

Forcommunityleadersandcoalitions,theTrainingTeamshouldconsiderdevelopinganIowaWalkingCollegeprogram,basedonAmericaWalks'nationalmodel,andaPedestrianPlanningAssistanceforCommunitiestraining,basedonamodelpioneeredinKentucky.TheWalkingCollegeisaninteractive,mentorship-based,onlineeducationalprogramforwalkablecommunityadvocates.Eachyear,WalkingCollegeFellowshipsareawardedtocommunitychangeagentsworkingalone,inorganizations,orinprofessionssuchaspublichealth,planning,transportation,oreducation,whodemonstrateapassionformakingtheircommunitiesmorewalkableandlivableandavisionforwhatthatwouldlooklike.ThelearningobjectivesfortheWalkingCollegeare:

1. Communicateeffectivelywithavarietyofaudiencesaboutthebenefitsofawalkablecommunity;

2. Recruitandinspireotherlocaladvocatestojointhemovement,establishanorganizationalstructure,writewinninggrantapplications,andfund-raise;

3. Organizepublicevents,programs,andcommunicationcampaignsthatemphasizetheneedforimprovedwalkability;

4. Engageprofessionalsinmultiplefields,includingpublichealth,planningandtransportation,onthewayswalkabilityaffectstheirpriorities;

5. Navigatethestructureoflocalandstategovernmentandengageelectedofficialsinconversationsaboutwalkability;

6. Designandimplementeffectivepolicycampaigns,suchasreducingspeedlimitsandrequiringcompletestreets;

7. Research,understand,andcommunicatedatatosupportcampaigns.

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IowaHealthiestStateInitiativeandIowaDepartmentofPublicHealthhavealreadystartedplanningastate-levelWalkingCollegeprogramthatwillbedeliveredin2017.ThiswillbeacriticalcomponentofimplementingRecommendation#4.TheothermodeltheTrainingTeamshouldconsiderwaspioneeredbyKentuckyTransportationCabinet(KTC)andKentuckyDepartmentofPublicHealth(KDPH)in2012.Afteridentifyingcommunityaccesstophysicalactivityasatophealthpriority,KDPHprovidedall69localhealthdepartmentswithfundingandresourcestoconductcommunitywalkabilityaudits,andKTCteammembersfollowedupwithindividualizedfeedbackandtechnicalassistancetohelpeachcommunityinterprettheresultsoftheauditandstarttoaddressidentifiedproblems.Thefollowingyear,severalcommunitiesreceivedcompetitivefundingtobeginplanningforactivetransportationdesign.ThreeofthesebegantodeveloppedestrianmasterplanswithtrainingandtechnicalassistanceprovidedbyKTC,FederalHighwayAdministration,andtheKYOfficeoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct.Then,in2014-2015,KTCandtheKDPHformalizedthetrainingandtechnicalassistanceintoaworkshopcurriculum,andheldregionalworkshopsinthewesternandeasternpartsofthestate.Travelgrantswereawardedtotencommunitieswhowerethenexpectedtoconveneateamofstakeholders,attendtheworkshop,conductawalkabilityaudit,prioritizepedestrianimprovements,developaformalpedestrianplan,andhaveitofficiallyadoptedbythelocalgovernment.Accomplishingallofthesestepsdocumentsthecommunity’sneedandreadinessforpedestrianimprovements,andgreatlyimprovestheprospectsforthecommunitytoobtainfundingforprojectslistedintheplan.Throughtheseefforts,atleast27Kentuckycommunitiesand3MetropolitanPlanningOrganizations(MPOs)haveadoptedpedestrianplans,andmostofthemhavefundedandcompletedactualconstructionprojects.MoreinformationaboutKentucky'sPedestrianPlanningAssistanceforCommunitiestraining:

• Webinar:http://americawalks.org/pedestrian-planning-for-communities-a-transferable-training-and-implementation-program-from-kentucky/

• Toolkit:http://www.fitky.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/04/PLAN-Document_042816.pdf

Insummary,werecommendtheNHI'sTransportationandLandUsePlanningcoursebepromotedbytheTrainingTeamimmediately,whileHSIandIDPHdeveloptheIowaWalkingCollegeandresearchKentucky'sPedestrianPlanningforCommunitiesprogram.Recommendation5:IdentifyfundingsourcesforinfrastructurechangesLong-termsustainabilityforalloftheseinitiativestoincreasewalkingandpromotewalkablecommunitiesinIowawilldependonfunding.

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Therefore,ourfinalrecommendationistoformaFundingTeamtoexplorefundingoptionsforplanningandbuildingmorewalkablecommunityprojects.Tostartwith,IowaDOT'sfundingguideincludessectionsonbicycle/pedestrianprojectsandtrails:

• GuidetoTransportationFundingProgramsofinteresttolocalgovernmentsandothers(IowaDOT):http://www.iowadot.gov/pol_leg_services/Funding-Guide.pdf

Morespecificallyfocusedonactivetransportation,hereisOregonDOT'scomprehensive(andtransferable)listingofnumerousfederal,state,andlocalsourcesoffunds:

• FundingWalkingandBikingImprovements(OregonDOT):http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/TGM/Pages/walkbikefunding.aspx

StateagenciesaregenerallyreluctanttoengageinadvocacyactivitieswiththeLegislature;however,private-sectorentitieswithinthecoalition,suchasAARPandAmericaHeartAssociation,maywanttotaketheleadinmakingthecasetotheStateLegislaturethatdedicatedfundsshouldbeprovidedforwalkablecommunitydesignandactivetransportation.Aneffectivestrategymaybetomakea"multi-disciplinary"caseforfundingbystressingthequalityoflife,economicdevelopment,tourism,socialequity,safetyandhealthbenefits.Thegoalwouldbetocreateanewdedicatedfundingsourceforpedestrianandbicycleplanningandinfrastructureprojectsthatgoesbeyondthefederally-earmarkedTransportationAlternativesProgram(TAP)andHighwaySafetyImprovementProgram(HSIP)funds.Finally,IEDA'sJeffGeertsmentionedthepossibilityofEDAdevelopmentstandards,redevelopmenttaxcredits,andgreenstormwaterprojectstofundactivetransportationinfrastructure.

ConclusionThiswasaverysuccessfulworkshop.Threeofthefourworkshopgoalsestablishedbythelocalplanningteamwereaccomplished,andmostoftheparticipantsindicatedahighlevelofsatisfactionwiththeexperienceandastrongdesiretocontinueworkingtogethertoincreasewalkingandexpandwalkablecommunitiesinIowa.IowaHealthiestStateInitiative(HSI)isasignificantasset.Wearenotawareofequivalentorganizationsinanyotherstates.Thecombinationofsustainablefundingwithafocusonhealthylifestylesandinterdisciplinarycollaborationisveryunusualandverybeneficial.ThefactthatHSI'scurrentstrategicplanemphasizesastatewidewalkingcampaignaddsconsiderableweighttotheexistingasset.

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Theplanningteam,consistingofHSI,IowaDepartmentofPublicHealth,IowaDepartmentofTransportation,IowaEconomicDevelopmentAuthority,andIowaStateUniversity'sStatewideUrbanDesignandSpecificationsprogramisalsostrong.WithHSI'sleadership,thecommitmentoftheleadingagencies(whoseDirectorsallattendedtheworkshop),thetechnicalexpertiseofSUDAS,andtheengagementofabroadrangeofgovernmentandprivate-sectorpartners,webelievemany/mostofourrecommendationscanbeaccomplishedinthenext2-3years.Finally,pleasenotethatAmericaWalksplanstostayengagedwiththeIowateam-tocontinuetoevaluatetheeffort,toprovideongoingtechnicalassistance,possiblytofacilitateanotherevent.

IanThomasandGaryToth

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Appendix1:WorkshopEvaluation

Thefollowingevaluationwasadministeredattheendoftheworkshop.28responseswerereceivedfromthe42participants(67%responserate).Responderswereaskedtoindicatewhetherthey"stronglyagree,""agree," "are neutral,""disagree,"or"stronglydisagree"witheachofsevenstatementsabouttheworkshop.Statement1:“Ilikedthegeneralformatoftheworkshop.”Responses:

• Stronglyagree: 8• Agree: 20• Neutral: 0• Disagree: 0• Stronglydisagree: 0

Comments:

• Halfdaywouldhavebeenalittleeasierandaccommodating• Imissedthefirsthalf• Ithoughttherewasredundantinfo./tasksneartheendoftheworkshop;otherwise,

goodstuff• Iwasledtobelievetheworkshopwasgoingtobemoreactive,ie.walkingmeetings,

breakouts• Thetimeframeofactivitieswasgood,movingfromplacetoplaceholdseveryone's

attention• Excellentparticipationfromallparticipants• Breakingupsittingabitmorewouldkeepfolksbetterengaged,especiallyinthe

afternoon• Lovedthewalkbutdidn'tknowhowmuchtimewe'dspendoutsideversusinside,

sowasn'tsurehowtodress• Iappreciatemixinggroupmemberssomoreconnectionscanbemade

Statement2:“Ihaveincreasedmyunderstandingofwaystocollaboratetopromotewalkablecommunities.”Responses:


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Comments:• Goodnetworkingopportunity• Increasedmystatewidenetworkandrekindledregionalnetwork• Ifelttherewasagoodamountofperspectiveswithintheroom• Veryinterestingtolearnthebarriersofothergroupsatthetable,andhowwecan

supporteachother• Thebroadviewofallthepartnerswasfantastictosee• Needtotrytomovebeyondvaguestatementslike"Wewanthealthy,livablecities;"

"wewanteconomicvitality."Iknowalittlemoreaboutwhateachgroupoffersbutmaybenothowthewholewebworks.

• Ilikedthedesignofthe"CollaborationMultiplier"sessions• Ididn'tfeeltherewasenoughtimetonetworkandlearnhowotherscouldhelpmy

organization• Greattoseeallthevariousorganizationstogether• Ihaveagoodidea;Ifeltlikewedidnotdevelopadetailedplan,butthatwouldlikley

havetakenseveraldaysStatement3:"Thefacilitatorswereknowledgeableandhelpful.”Responses:

• Stronglyagree:17• Agree: 11• Neutral: 0• Disagree: 0• Stronglydisagree: 0

Comments:

• Goodspeakersanddiscussions• Deep,variedexpertise• Goodjob.Smart.In-depthknowledge.• Excellentinformationprovided• Greatfacilitators• Gary,asanengineer,bringscredibilityandtrust• Ianisagreat,livelyfacilitator

Statement4:“TheCollaboratingforWalkableCommunities:BenefitsandBestPracticespresentationwasinformativeandhelpful.”Responses:

• Stronglyagree: 5• Agree: 17• Neutral: 2

• Disagree: 0• Stronglydisagree: 0• N/A 4

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Comments:• Veryinterestingstatisticsandbackground• Gotalittlelong• Goodbasistostartdiscussion• Morevisualmaterialsforbestpracticeswouldbehelpful

Statement5:“TheInter-AgencyCollaborationforWalkableCommunitiespresentationandpaneldiscussionhelpedestablishafoundationforabroad-basedstatewideinitiative.”Responses:

• Stronglyagree: 9• Agree: 13• Neutral: 2• Disagree: 0• Stronglydisagree: 0• N/A 4

Comments:

• ItwasgreathavingasmanyDepartmentDirectorsaswedid • ThecommitmentofthreeDepartmentDirectorstoattendwasimpressive • Thiswasfabulous • Avisualaidcombiningeachofthethreegroups'offeringswouldbehelpful-visual

aidstohelpseehowtheycouldconnect• Goodtounderstandthe3agencies'activitiesinwalkablecommunities• Keeppresentationsalltogetherinsteadofbreakingintosections-"barriers"gotlost• Itwasgoodtoseesupportanddiscussionfromallagenciesrepresented-especially,

theDirectorsthatcameStatement6:“Thewalkabilityauditimprovedmyunderstandingofthewaysplanninganddesigndecisions/policiesimpactthebuildenvironment.”Responses:

• Stronglyagree: 6• Agree: 14• Neutral: 4• Disagree: 0• Stronglydisagree: 0• N/A 4

Comments:

• Nicetogetout!• Alreadywell-informed

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• Goodexamplesalongtheroutetodiscussasasmallgroup• Itmayhavebeenhelpfultoreviewthechecklistbeforegoingout• Greatinteractivepiece• FirstauditI'vebeenpartof-componentsIhadnotconsideredbeforewhenjust

"walking"• Ihavedonesimilarwalkaudits.IfeellikeIlearnsomethingeverytime• Learnedsomenewthingstolookatwithtrails

Statement7:“TheCollaborationMultiplierasset-mappingexerciseandstrategicplanningactivitycreatedthemomentumforfurthercollaboration.” Responses:


Comments:

• Helpfultoknowwhatotherresourcesareavailable• Lotsofideasforcollaborationsurfaced• Sharinganswerswastoodrawnout-shortensomoretimefortableconversations• Goodinteractionwithineachgroup• Itwasveryinterestingtoseehowcommonourwishesandvisionsare-wejust

needaplacetosharethem• Broughtforthstrengthsoforganizationsthatcanbeputtouse• Greatdiscussion;greatrelationship-building,connections

Appendix2:CollaborationsbetweenTransportationandHealthDepartmentsinOtherStates

Basedonresearchconductedduringthelasttwoyears,about20statesareactivelyengagedincollaborationsbetweentheHealthandTransportationDepartmentstoexpandwalkableandlivablecommunitiesthroughouttheirstates.Thefollowingsummaryhighlightsrecentandongoingworkinsomeofthemostactivestates:Oregon,Minnesota,Massachusetts,andNorthCarolina,whohavepioneeredthisworkformanyyears,alongwithMontana,Arkansas,Kentucky,andColorado,whereAmericaWalkshostedstatecollaborativeworkshopsonwalkabilityin2015.

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Oregon:MemorandumofUnderstandingIn2013,OregonDepartmentofTransportation(ODOT)andtheOregonHealthAuthority,PublicHealthDivision(OHA-PHD)establishedaMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU),inwhichbothpartiesagreedto“communicate,coordinateandcollaborateonactivitiesthatsupporttheirmutualgoaltoimprovethelinkbetweenpublichealthandtransportationpoliciesandprogramsinOregon.”Bothgroupsrecognizethattransportationisintrinsicallylinkedwithhealthandthatsocialdeterminantsofhealth,suchaslivingconditionsandtravelbehaviors,areakeyfactorintheoverallhealthofthepopulation.TheMOUidentifiesthatODOTandOHA-PHDwillworktogethertomeetOregonian’smobilityandhealthneedsthrough:

• Sharedcommunicationandplanning• Sharedencouragementofactivetransportation• Collaborativeresearchanddataanalysis• Leverageresourceandfundingopportunities

Reference:

• HealthandTransportationWhitePaper(OregonBicycleandPedestrianPlan),http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/BikePed/HealthWhitePaper.pdf

Minnesota:Inter-AgencyAgreementandStatewidePedestrianSystemPlanIn2014,followingthecreationofaninter-agencyagreementbetweentheMinnesotaDepartmentofTransportation(MnDOT)andtheMinnesotaDepartmentofHealth(MDH),thetwoagenciesdevelopedtheMinnesotaStatewidePedestrianSystemPlan.Goalsoftheplan:

• Gainabetterunderstandingofpedestrianneedsandchallenges• Developandprioritizerecommendationsfornewprojects,policies,andprograms• Providerecommendationstoclarifyrolesandresponsibilitiesofpartners

Processforplandevelopment:

• StakeholderVisioning(August2014)• ProjectAdvisoryCommittee(25stakeholdergroups)• MinnesotaWalks:Current&FutureStepsTowardsaWalkableMinnesota• Publicoutreachandengagement

References:

• MinnesotaStatewidePedestrianSystemPlan,MinnesotaDepartmentsofTransportationandHealth-https://www.dot.state.mn.us/peds/plan/

• MinnesotaWalkstoolkit-https://www.dot.state.mn.us/peds/plan/pdf/minnesota-walks-2016.pdf

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Massachusetts:HealthyTransportationCompactandHealthyTransportationPolicyDirectiveMassachusettsmayhavebeenthefirststatetolegislatecollaborationbetweenitshealthandtransportationagencies.Asfarbackas2009,theStateLegislatureestablishedaHealthyTransportationCompact,which"DirectstheMassachusettsDepartmentofTransportation(MassDOT)topartnerwithotheragenciesandconsiderhealthintransportation."Later-in2013-MassDOTestablishedtheHealthyTransportationPoliceDirectivewiththefollowinggoals:

• Toformalizecommitmenttotransportationnetworksthatserveallmodechoices• ToensureallMassDOTprojectsprovidecustomerssafe,comfortable,healthy

transportationoptions• Toachievedesignatedmodeshiftgoal

Reference:

• HealthyTransportationPolicyDirective,MassachusettsDept.ofTransportation-http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/0/docs/GreenDOT/DirectiveHealthyTransportation.pdf

NorthCarolina:StatewideBicycleandPedestrianPlanInDecember,2013,theBoardoftheNorthCarolinaDepartmentofTransportationadoptedWalkBikeNC-thestate'sBicycleandPedestrianPlan.The18-monthcollaborativeprocessincludedthefollowingpartners:

• NCDepartmentofTransportation• NCDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices• NCDepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources• NCDepartmentofCommerce• BlueCrossandBlueShieldofNorthCarolinaFoundation• DavisWealthManagementFoundation.

Thefiveprinciplesoftheplanare:

1. Mobility:Expandwalkingandbikingnetwork2. Safety:Improvesafetyforwalkingandbicycling3. Health:Embracehealthandwellnessintransportationdecisions4. Economy:Fosterrobusteconomicgrowth5. Environment:Encouragestewardship

Reference:

• WalkBikeNC,http://www.walkbikenc.com

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Montana:ACollaborativeFrameworkforWalkableCommunitiesAworkshopwasheldonWednesday,August12th,2015inHelena,Montana,inpartnershipwithMontanaDepartmentofPublicHealthandHumanServices,MontanaDepartmentofTransportation,MontanaDepartmentofCommerce,andBikeWalkMontana.Thefollowingthreeworkshopgoalswereestablished:

1. StrengthenrelationshipsbetweenDepartmentsofHealth,Transportation,andCommerce,andBikeWalkMontana;

2. Explorebenefitsofincreasedcollaboration,communication,andcoordinationbetweenagenciesinpromotingwalkingandwalkablecommunities;

3. Presentdraft"CollaborativeFramework"toagencydirectors,requestfeedback,andseeksupportforcontinuingcollaborativeprocess.

Priortotheworkshop,thefourpartnerorganizationsdrafteda"CollaborativeFrameworkforWalkableCommunities"basedonthefollowingsix"AligningPrinciples:"

1. Safety:WalkabilityreducesfatalandseriousinjuriesinMontanacommunities,byimprovingthesafetyofpedestriansandallroadusers.

2. MobilityandAccess:Walkablecommunitiesprovidemobilityandaccesstoservices,education,employment,andsocialopportunitiesforallMontanaresidents.

3. EconomicVitality:WalkablecommunitiesareeconomicallyvibrantandresilientbecausetheyalignwithcurrentandfuturetrendsinthepreferencesofMontanaresidentsandtourists.

4. QualityofLife:WalkablecommunitiescontributetoMontana'squalityoflifethroughhealthierlifestyles,expandedcommutingoptions,andeasieraccesstorecreationalandsocialopportunities.

5. HealthandEnvironment:Walkablecommunitiesimprovethehealthandwell-beingofMontanaresidentsbyencouragingactivelifestylesandahealthyenvironment.

6. Equity:WalkablecommunitiesequitablysupportthelivesandlifestylesofMontanaresidentsofallages,abilities,incomelevels,races,andnationalorigins.

Between6-10stafffromeachdepartmentparticipatedintheentireworkshop,alongwithrepresentativesofBikeWalkMontanaandtwoothergroups.Afterlunch,DirectorMikeTooley(MontanaDepartmentofTransportation),DirectorRichardOpper(PublicHealthandHumanServices),andDirectorMegO'Leary(Commerce)receivedapresentationfromtheirownstaffplusBikeWalkMontanaExecutiveDirectorMelindaBarnes,abouttheproposed"CollaborativeFrameworkforWalkableMontanaCommunities,"thathadbeendevelopedandrefinedearlierintheday.AllthreeAgencyDirectorsexpressedsupportforcontinuingthecollaborativeeffortandDirectorO'Learyasked,"Whatcansenioradministratorsdotohelpremovebarriers?"ThekeynextstepforthethreestateagencieswastoholdindividualmeetingswiththeirDirectorstodiscussfutureplans.

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Arkansas:LocalCommunitiesLeadtheWayAmericaWalkscoordinatedaWorkshoponCollaborationforWalkableArkansasCommunitiesonTuesday,August25th,2015inLittleRock,AR.ThepartnershipbetweentheArkansasDepartmentofHealth(ADH)andArkansasHighwayandTransportationDepartment(AHTD)wastheprimaryfocusofthisworkshop,alongwithengagementoflocalofficials.Thefollowinggoalswereagreeduponbytheplanningteam,whichconsistedonlyofADHandAHTDstaff:

1. StrengthenrelationshipbetweenArkansasDepartmentofHealth(ADH)andArkansasStateHighwayandTransportationDepartment(AHTD)

2. DevelopsharedunderstandingofthebenefitsofwalkablecommunitiesbetweenADH,AHTD,andotherpartners

3. DevelopActionPlanforprovidingTechnicalAssistancetocommunitiestodevelopBicycleandPedestrianPlans

TheentiremorningsessionwasforHealthandHighway/Transportationagencystaffonly.ParticipationconsistedofsixADHstaffincludingtheDeputyDirector,andtenAHTDstaffincludingtheChiefOperatingOfficerandtheChiefEngineer.FacilitatorsIanThomasandGaryTothgaveanopeningpresentationtitled"CollaborationforWalkableCommunities,"onnationalhealthcareexpenditures,importanceofthebuiltenvironment,ahistoryoftransportationplanningintheU.S.,andtheneedforhealthandtransportationsectorstocollaboratetosolveserioushealth,safety,andcostproblems.Therefollowedasmall-groupdiscussiontitled"ADHandAHTD:WhereistheCommonGround?"duringwhichthepublichealthandtransportationteamsseparatelyevaluatedtheirownstrengthsandchallengesinthiswork,andthenidentifiedwaystosupporteachothereffectively.Intheafternoon,theworkshopexpandedtoincludestafffromotherstateagencies,metropolitanplanningorganizations,statewidenon-profitgroups,theArkansasCoalitiontoPreventObesityandlocalelectedofficials.Foursmall-townmayorsparticipatedinapaneldiscussionfocusedonindividualwalkabilityprojectstheyareleadingintheirowncommunities:

• MayorRickElumbaugh(Batesville,AR)• MayorJillDabbs(Bryant,AR)• MayorFrankHash(ElDorado,AR)• MayorChipJohnson(Hernando,MS)

Inthefinalsession,theentiregroupstartedtodevelopastatewideplantoprovideplanningassistancetocommunitiestopromotewalkingandwalkabledesign.OneofthemainoutcomesoftheworkshopwasthatlocalcommunitiesarecurrentlyleadingthewayinArkansas,andthatthereareimportantnextstepsstateagenciescantaketosupporttheirefforts.

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Kentucky:PedestrianPlanningAssistanceforCommunitiesTrainingKentucky'spublichealthandtransportationagencieshavebeenworkingcloselytogethertoimprovewalkabilityforseveralyears.ThroughthePhysicalActivityCommitteeofthePartnershipforaFitKentucky,theKentuckyTransportationCabinetandtheKentuckyDepartmentforPublicHealthhavedevelopedarobustcollaborativeprograminwhichtheyreachouttolocalcommunitiesanddelivertraininginhowtodeveloplocalpedestrianplans.Morethantwentyplanshavebeenadoptedbylocalelectedbodiessince2013andthishasledtowalkablecommunityprojectsinseveralofthesecities.Withthatbackgroundinmind,thegoalsfortheKentuckyworkshopwere:

1. Expandpartnershipandincreaseimpactofexistingpedestrianplanningandimplementationefforts

2. Increasecommunities'accesstoeffectiveresourcesandfundingforpedestrianplanningandimplementation

Duringthemorningsession,managersandstafffromtheKentuckyDepartmentofPublicHealth(KDPH)andKentuckyTransportationCabinet(KYTC)discussedtheirinnovative"PedestrianPlanningAssistanceforCommunities"trainingprogram.Thisprogramguideslocalofficialsandcommunityresidentsthroughtheprocessofgatheringpublicinputaboutpedestriansafetyandaccessneedsintheircommunity,anddevelopingaformalPedestrianPlanthatisadoptedbytheCityCouncilorCountyBoard,therebymakingprojectswithintheseplans"shovel-ready"forimplementationasandwhenfundingbecomesavailable.ThechallengeforKDPHandKYTCistobuildawarenessofthebenefitsofwalkablecommunityplanningandcreatemoredemandforthetrainingamongcommunitiesthroughoutthestate.Toaddressthischallenge,theworkshopbroughttogetherotherstateagenciesandorganizations,educatedthemaboutwalkabilityandthe"PedestrianPlanningAssistanceforCommunities"program,andsolicitedtheirhelpinbuildingawarenessanddemandforthisprogramincommunitiesthroughoutthestate.OrganizationsinattendanceincludedKentuckyInjuryPreventionResearchCenter,KentuckyDepartmentofAgingandIndependentLiving,KentuckyEnvironmentalEducationCouncil,KentuckyCooperativeExtension,UniversityofKentuckyTransportationResearchCenter,FoundationforaHealthyKentucky,KentuckyRailstoTrailsCouncil,KentuckyYouthAdvocates,andKentuckyCancerConsortium.TwoofthemostengagedpartnerswereKentuckyMainStreets,whohavestaffedofficesin44communities,andKentuckyAARP,whohave460,000membersandhundredsofvolunteersthroughoutthestate.Bothoftheseorganizationscommittedtobecomingtrainersfortheprogramandusingtheircommunicationsnetworkstobuildingawarenessandincreasingdemand.

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Colorado:AStateAgencyCollaborativeWorkshopwashostedbytheWalkColoradoWorkingGrouponThursday,September10th,2015inDenver,CO.Thegoalsforthisworkshopwereto:

1. Documentexistingcollaborationsamongstateagencies,organizations,andcommunities,thatsupportwalkingandwalkablecommunitydesign

2. Identifyopportunitiesandbarriersregardingincreasedcollaboration,communication,andcoordinationofwalkablecommunityadvocacy,planningandimplementationactivities

3. Strengthenrelationshipsamongallpartnersanddevelopadditionalgoals,strategies,andactionstepsforthe"WalkColoradoCollaborativeActionPlan"

4. Establishnextstepsforthe"WalkColoradoPartnership"TheWalkColoradoWorkingGroupconsistsofthreestategovernmentagenciesandthreenon-profitorganizations:

• ColoradoStateDepartmentofPublicHealthandEnvironment(CDPHE)• ColoradoDepartmentofTransportation(CDOT)• ColoradoStateDepartmentofLocalAffairs(DOLA)• ColoradoHealthFoundation• ColoradoMunicipalLeague• WalkDenver

Inthemorning,thesixWalkColoradoWorkingGroupmembersparticipatedina"CollaborationMultiplier"asset-mappingexercise,basedonthefollowingquestions:

1. Whyiswalkabilityimportanttomyorganization?2. Whatdesiredoutcomesororganizationalgoalsdowehaveinthisarea?3. Whatassets,strengths,andexpertisedoesmyorganizationbringtoapartnership

focusedonwalkablecommunities?4. Whatexistingprograms,partnerships,anddatacanwecontributetothisproject?5. Whatbarriersandchallengesdoweface,withwhichotherpartnerscanhelpus?

Intheafternoon,otherpartnersjoinedtheworkshop,includingtheInjuryPreventionandChronicDiseaseUnitsofCDPHE,SafeRoutestoSchoolandTrafficSafetyDivisionsofCDOT,StateOfficeofTourism,StateDepartmentofEducation,theGovernor'sOffice,AARP,theSonoranInstitute,UrbanLandInstitute,GreatOutdoorsColorado,LiveWellColorado,Walk2Connect,andtheFortCollinsPartnershipforAge-FriendlyCities.Small-groupdiscussionsandreport-outswereheldaroundthefollowingthreequestions:

1. Howismygrouppromotingwalkability?2. Whatassets,strengths,expertise,andprogramsdowebring?3. Howdowegenerateexcitementaboutwalkability?

TheoutputfromthesediscussionswillfurtherinformtheWalkColoradoCollaborativeActionPlan.

final report and recommendations - iowa healthiest staterecommendation #1: design a collaborative...

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