title: The role of health and physical activity in the adoption of innovative land use policy: findings from surveys of local governments.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research has established that built environments, including street networks, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and land uses, can positively affect the frequency and duration of daily physical activity. Attention is now being given to policy frameworks such as zoning codes that set the standards and expectations for this built environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined the adoption and implementation of mixed-use and related zoning provisions with specific attention to the role that physical activity serves as a motivation for such policies and to what extent public health agencies influence the adoption process. A sample of planning directors from 53 communities with outstanding examples of mixed-use developments and 145 randomly selected midsized communities were surveyed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physical activity is not a dominant motivator in master plans and/or zoning codes and public health agencies played minor roles in policy adoption. However, physical activity as a motivation appears to be increasing in recent years and is associated with higher levels of policy innovation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations include framing the importance of physical activity in terms of other dominant concerns such as livability, dynamic centers, and economic development. Health agencies are encouraged to work in coalitions to focus arguments on behalf of physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dill
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Howe
mesh_terms: D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004779:Environment Design; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D011634:Public Health; D011640:Public Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States