Policy Brief: 4 Strategies for Creating Healthy, Equitable Land Use in Los Angeles

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All neighborhoods are not created equal.

Your city’s land use policies determine your access to public goods and resources like transit options, employment opportunities, healthy food, walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, quality schools, parks and green space, and much more. Thus, your city’s land use policies shape your health.

Read about nationwide disparities in active zoning and land use policies here.

On behalf of the Healthy, Equitable, Active Land Use Network (HEALU Network), the Prevention Institute prepared a policy brief with four strategies to move Los Angeles to a healthier, more equitable land use system.

1. Increase the percentage of public funds invested in health-promoting infrastructure in low income communities of color.
2. Build capacity in government, the private sector, and community-based organizations for robust community engagement in land use planning and policymaking.
3. Accelerate land use innovations and demonstration projects in low-income communities of color, and scale up successful pilot projects to drive policy change.
4. Foster cross-government collaboration to embed health and equity in all land use decisions

Inequities in land use policies act as a barrier to health, particularly in low-income communities of color. These strategies can be a valuable guide for cities to modify their land use policies with an emphasis on equity and health.

Healthy, equitable land use can be intentionally produced through strategic multi-sector action.

Share these strategies with your friends, coworkers, city staff, and elected officials.

Read about how the Active Living Council of San Antonio includes transportation, land use, and community design strategies to promote active living here.