Urban Planning for Healthy Cities: Health Impact Assessments

Our physical surroundings directly shape our well-being, yet public health is often overlooked in urban design and policy making. Understanding how to systematically evaluate the health effects of local planning decisions is essential for creating thriving, sustainable communities. This course equips you with the foundational knowledge to analyze how built, economic, and natural environments impact human health. You will learn to use the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) framework to advocate for health-conscious policies and collaborate effectively with public health agencies and community stakeholders. What you'll learn: Understand the core pathways connecting urban design, transportation, and natural environments to public health outcomes; Master the step-by-step Health Impact Assessment (HIA) methodology, from screening to monitoring; Analyze real-world policies through the lens of health equity and environmental justice; Evaluate contemporary urban challenges, including climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure, using structured health metrics; Apply policy analysis techniques to integrate public health recommendations into local planning frameworks. The course starts with essential terminology and the historical connection between public health and urban planning. You will then progress through the phases of the HIA framework, examining diverse case studies and practicing policy analysis through written exercises. This course is designed for aspiring urban planners, policy advocates, community organizers, and beginners interested in public health. No prior experience in planning or medicine is required. Start reading today to begin shaping healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.