In July 2021, CityHealth announced a brand new package of 12 tried and tested policy solutions that will help cities provide access for everyone to have a safe place to live, a healthy body and mind, and a thriving environment.
Below is the original list of nine policies and their criteria.
Affordable Housing/Inclusionary Zoning
As cities grow, it’s important that residents of all income levels have access to affordable housing that sets them up for good health.
Complete Streets
Complete streets policies unlock opportunities by allowing city residents to safely walk, bike, drive and take public transit around their community.
Earned Sick Leave
Earned sick leave laws reduce the spread of contagious illnesses, increase employment and income stability, and save cities money in health care costs.
Food Safety and Restaurant Inspection Ratings
Policies requiring food establishments to publicly post safety inspection “grades” empower consumers, reduce foodborne illness rates and cut down on health care costs.
Healthy Food Procurement
Policies that make sure healthy food options are available on public property aid city residents in making smart decisions that will help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
High-quality, Accessible Pre-Kindergarten
Children who attend high-quality pre-k are more likely to succeed in school, go on to stable jobs and earn more as adults—all of which are linked to better health and stronger communities.
Safer Alcohol Sales
Safer Alcohol Sales policies put cities in charge of the location and practices of alcohol retailers. Neighborhoods with high concentrations of alcohol sales are linked to more drinking and higher rates of violence and driving under the influence.
Smoke Free Indoor Air Policies
Comprehensive smoke-free air laws protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke and reduce smokers’ consumption of tobacco – the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Tobacco 21
Curbing tobacco use among young adults has been shown to decrease the number of people who start – and continue – smoking.
