Health Policy
Healthy Communities Policy
Public health policies provide a framework to address health problems – a framework of shared vision, priorities, planning, goals and decision-making and collaborative multi-agency efforts. Public health policies can address a range of factors that impact health, from tobacco control to vaccinations, to school nutrition, physical activity and healthy environments.
Healthy Communities policies link public health benefits to community design. There is double value when local governments and decision-makers incorporate physical activity opportunities and access to healthy foods into policies that address land use, transportation, education and agriculture. “Healthy community design” means designing and planning development that achieves both community goals, such as economic development, and community health goals, such as ensuring safe walking and biking paths that support physical activity. Policy examples include Farm-to-School programs, Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, and Community Gardens.

Complete Streets Policy
Two cities in Chelan county – Leavenworth and Wenatchee – have adopted Complete Streets policies. As a result, both are eligible for grants that support their walking and biking improvement efforts.
City of Wenatchee Complete Streets Award News
City of Wenatchee Complete Streets Policy
Washington State Department of Transportation: Complete Streets
Learn More about Healthy Community Policies and Design
Resource Guide for Healthy Community Planning
Campaign for Action: Examples of Innovations to Build Healthy Communities