Livable neighborhoods

How is King County doing?

Compact, mixed-use neighborhoods provide a variety of personal and societal benefits. In 2005, King County finished a major study called "Land Use, Transportation, Air Quality and Health" (which led to the current program HealthScape), that measured how specific land use and transportation actions affect air quality, mobility, congestion, and public health. Compared to more sprawling communities, people who live and work in walkable neighborhoods:

1. drive less and use more transit;
2. produce fewer pollutants associated with smog and climate change;
3. are more likely to be physically active; and
4. are less likely to be overweight or obese.

The Walkability Index considers residential density, the number of street connections, and the mix of homes, stores, parks, and schools in a neighborhood. The Walkability Index map outlines the areas of King County with high, medium and low walkability. The darker shaded areas indicate increased connections among places to live, work, eat, learn, and play.

What else influences these indicators?

Creating walkable neighborhoods often depends upon collaboration between numerous government agencies and jurisdictions. Local land use regulations, street plans, and state transportation plans all play a role. For a neighborhood to be truly walkable, it must:

1. have well-maintained sidewalks;
2. have adequate street lighting;
3. provide shelter from the elements at transit stops;
4. control fast-flowing traffic; and
5. be perceived as a low-crime area.

Residents must also be aware of the health and environmental benefits of walking. The private sector plays an important role by locating shops and services that provide vitality to an area.

What role does King County government play?

The Walkability Index is one tool that can be used to help implement King County's policy and investment decisions about land use, transit, non-motorized investments, parks, and trails. The Walkability Index can also inform local residents' decisions about where to work and live. HealthScape is currently developing many other tools, including a Non-motorized Transportation Programming tool and a Development Impact Assessment model, to help the county make land-use and transportation decisions. These tools will help to evaluate and change the county's development practices and capital and service investments to improve public health and reduce health care costs. Through the 2008 update of the Comprehensive Plan, King County is currently working to implement more policies, programs and tools to promote walkability. As part of this plan, King County is expanding the regional trail network and introducing performance based zoning. Examples of future projects may include pedestrian and bicycle facilities, a greater mix of land uses within developments, walking maps, safe-routes-to-schools, and regional trails.