Sustainable Communities: bio

Melanie Simmons, Ph.D

Melanie Simmons, Ph.D. is the principal of Healthy Development Inc. and directs research and development for the firm. In the fall of 2007, Dr. Simmons will begin the Institute for Health and Developent at Florida State University. In her research, she forecasts the health, social and economic impacts of planning decisions on local populations. The forecasts provide an opporunity for decision makers to mitigate potential negative impacts and enhance equitable, sustainable growth prior to breaking ground. Clients include the cities and counties of Seattle-King County, Wash., Denver, Col., Cleveland, Ohio and firms such as Kaiser Permanente. She also consults to economic development authorities. Dr. Simmons serves as faculty for the Annual National Health Impact Assessment Training, along with faculty from the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, the American Planning Association and the National Association of City and County Health Officials.

Presentation Topics
Health and Sustainable Development
Planning for sustainable development and healthy communities in the face of rapid population growth depends on good design, transit-oriented developments and affordable housing. This session will review the scientific evidence that links health and the built environment specifically related to these issues. It will cover where to find data to enhance planning for health and sustainable development. It will provide national examples of intgerating planning, economic development and healthy communities initiatives.