Local decisions about land use, community design and transportation have a dramatic impact on the economic vitality and health of our communities. These decisions also have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions and the air that we breathe. Local leaders that engage residents in understanding this connection and that champion well-designed communities with healthier, more efficient transportation options, are better positioned to partner with state and regional agencies to obtain funding. This funding is crucial to implementing projects aimed at creating safe, healthy and more economically prosperous communities.

This issue brief highlights three communities in Southern California that partnered with neighboring jurisdictions and state agencies to advance community health and economic development, with support from state climate investments.