Over the last several decades, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased, with recent data suggesting a continued increase in many age groups and no decline in others.1 This rise in obesity has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality,2 which comes with significant societal costs, both psychological3 and economic4 in nature. These costs are ultimately paid not only at the individual level in terms of loss of life and loved ones but also at the societal level by the public and private sectors. Fortunately, the modifiable causes and solutions for obesity are mostly under volitional control, specifically physical activity and healthy eating.5 Unfortunately, many individuals face an uphill battle when choosing to embark on the path to a healthy lifestyle, since many of the external resources supportive of physical activity (eg, sidewalks, parks, gyms) and healthy eating (eg, farmers markets, grocery stores) are often unavailable, inconvenient, or unevenly distributed across economic strata.6 While the role of the federal government is debatable,7,8 the role of local government is less contentious, since many of the costs and benefits associated with the provision of a healthy, active community are realized at the local level. Furthermore, while support for policies to promote healthy food environments is mixed at best,7 support for policies to promote active living is relatively high.9 This popular support coupled with the economic consequences of inaction mandates that local government take a leadership role in promoting active communities. Luckily, the right choice for the health of individuals is also the right choice for the health of the local economy, and active living researchers, planners, and practitioners have identified effective strategies to promote both of these goals.

City Hall can drive positive change in a number of ways that are supported by empirical data. Specifically, complete streets, park siting, and mixed-use zoning policies should be top priorities for local governments. Complete streets policies support the construction and maintenance of roadways that support transportation that is both motorized and active, through the provision of bike lanes, sidewalks, and traffic calming. While research has shown that complete streets can positively impact citizen's physical activity levels,10 they can also provide more customers for local businesses,11 which increases tax revenues. Proper park siting can be especially important for the promotion of active living,12 especially in low-income areas and communities of color. In addition, communities with convenient access to clean, engaging parks and trails attract new residents to your community, with the ensuing economic and civic benefits. Enacting and enforcing sensible building and zoning codes to support mixed-use development can encourage new business and industry to local in areas where people live, learn, earn, play, and pray. Encouraging new businesses to locate where the people are keeps people out of automobiles and keeps money that would otherwise support motorized transportation in their pockets.

There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution for making cities and towns more active and healthier. However, whatever the devised solution, it has to be planned and purposeful. The desired solution should also have the support of the local citizens, be driven by local leadership, and not be dependent on federal bureaucracy to be sustainable. An active community can result in a healthier citizenry. Healthier populations endure fewer sick days, enjoy greater productivity, and impart lower insurance costs to employers. Simply put, keeping our citizens healthy through the provision of supports for active living is an integral component for keeping our local economies strong. In addition, the results of Wang and colleagues13 suggest that targeted messages that emphasize economic benefits may better engage local policy makers and help generate support for active living policies and environmental supports. Supporting active living begins with informed decisions by City Hall that originate with the needs and desires of voters and taxpayers in neighborhoods and towns across America.

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