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More evidence that access to green spaces and walkable communities improve public health outcomes.
New research from the University of Maryland reveals that access to neighborhood green spaces and walkability contribute to different health outcomes for residents, according to an article by Annie Krakower in Maryland Today.
The study analyzed walkability and aesthetic data alongside health information to understand how the built environment impacts health among siblings and twins. “After examining records from nearly 2 million people, including 1 million siblings and 14,000 identical and fraternal twins, the team found that across all three samples, positive built environment characteristics were associated with 15-20% reductions in obesity and diabetes rates.”
The results show that green streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and mixed-use development encourage more physical activity. “Future studies could also shine a light on how factors like income inequality and unequal access to desirable neighborhoods—along with modifiable built environment features— impact health.” Next, the researchers plan to examine data from Washington, D.C. to assess the impacts of other factors like gentrification and segregation on neighborhood population health.
FULL STORY: Walkability in Neighborhoods Linked to Health, Study of Siblings Shows
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Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths
Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.
Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.
Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?
New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.
City of Madera
City of Santa Clarita
Borough of Carlisle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Colorado Energy Office
Pima County Community College District
City of Piedmont, CA
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