Healthy Communities: The Comprehensive Plan Assessment Tool
Date
2010-12-22
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Abstract
The Healthy Communities Comprehensive Plan Assessment Tool is a checklist‐based document
designed to aid Delaware municipalities in the process of writing comprehensive plans that
emphasize planning for and building healthier communities. This tool is intended for use by
local government officials, planning commissions, or other individuals involved in writing or
updating their community’s comprehensive plan. By focusing on policy initiatives and urban
design guidelines that can increase physical activity and encourage healthier lifestyles, the
Comprehensive Plan Assessment Tool will ultimately result in comprehensive plans that set the
stage for a new era of health‐focused community planning.
One goal of this Assessment Tool is to stress that planning for healthy communities is about
more than just walkability. There are several elements of community planning and design that
contribute to whether or not a particular community fosters healthy lifestyles. Many of these
elements are included in the focal item of this document, the Comprehensive Plan Healthy‐
Community Checklist. This checklist provides a user‐friendly format for
guidance and review during the comprehensive‐planning process.
Description
Keywords
healthy communities, comprehensive plan, assessment, planning, local government,