Economic and Community Development Workgroup Policy Priorities
As New York State engages in strategic plans to boost the economy, there are multiple opportunities to also address the consideration of health in those plans. Improving the health of communities can also improve the economic vitality, and vice versa.
Policy Priority: Support adequate funding for non-MTA transit systems throughout New York State.
Supporting public transportation improves access to vital resources such as healthcare, healthy foods, and employment. In addition, Communities that are walkable and have access to transit generally have a lower dependence on automobiles and encourage physical activity. Studies have found that men who commute to work on public transportation are 44.6% less likely to be overweight or obese due to increased active commuting. Using public transportation increases exercise, but also provides access to services unreachable without a car. Improving public transportation is good for the economy, the community, and chronic disease prevention.
Currently, multiple DASH-NY partners are working to garner support for a fully-funded, 5-year statewide transit capital plan—with a state contribution of $100 million a year for non-MTA transit. A capital plan will build better bus stop infrastructure, multi-modal stations, and bus rapid transit infrastructure, to address the access issues facing New Yorkers.
To support this initiative, DASH-NY will have a template for you or your organization to send an op-ed to your local paper, asking for increased public transit funding. More information will be posted on our Take Action page!
Policy Priority: Establish funding and regulations supporting healthy food infrastructure, including farmers markets, shared-use kitchens, and healthy food processing.
Infrastructure that supports the production of healthy foods helps build a stronger base for accessing healthy foods. Farmers markets, and healthy food processing allow healthy foods to reach people in different ways, from the direct sale at markets, to providing healthy processed foods to school lunches. Making sure there are incentives and opportunities for building infrastructure leads to healthier food access.