This blog is intended as an outlet to explore all things related to the elements of a vibrant and successful urban community and how that can in turn lead to better health among community residents. While blogging obviously involves sharing one’s thoughts and opinions with readers, we hope that this site will enable greater learning and understanding for us as well.
Also, check out our nonprofit, the Urban Forward Institue.
Contributors
Matt Cunningham: I recently graduated with my Masters in Urban & Regional Planning from the University of Colorado in Denver. I am a Built Environment Specialist for the Tri-County Health Department in suburban Denver. The initial project I worked on was an analysis of healthy eating and active living components in our communities’ comprehensive and transportation plans. I am now working on a health impact assessment that will focus on food access. My interests include the connection between health and the built environment, federal policy and legislation as it relates to cities, and transit/bikeability/walkability, to name a few. You can also find me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Adam Perkins: I believe that cities have an ability to make a positive impact and are critical in addressing the issues of our society. My passion for cities lies in the interconnection between community development and ecological planning. It is at this junction where we have the ability to greatly increase the health of our cities and that of the people who live and work in them. I co-founded Local Inovations, LLC that uses a collaborative process to resolve conflict and bring together ideas on challenging projects in order to create successful communities. We recognize the individual characteristics of what makes each place unique in order to build dynamic solutions that embrace positive change. I earned my Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado. My BA from Colorado College in comparative religions and environmental science/policy brings a new perspective on how to strengthen community assets through urban planning on the local, regional, and federal scales. You can also find me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
