Transportation and Land Use

Abstract

The 5 D's of development---density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit---affect the physical, social, and mental health of community residents.The 5 D's influence whether a community is attractive and walkable, can support transit, and has convenient destinations that support quality of life and reduce automobile dependence.Approaches related to the 5 D's, such as smart growth, New Urbanism, transit-oriented development, LEED-ND, and Active Living by Design, can facilitate healthy community design.Land-use and transportation policies that promote health include changing the rules of development to favor smart growth in the approval process; adopting pedestrian-friendly site and building design standards; providing workforce housing near jobs; adopting a complete streets policy; making routes to schools safer; giving funding priority to compact, transit-served areas; and redirecting transportation funding from roads to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.