Active People, Healthy Louisiana (APHL) Community Design Initiative

• Identify local champions to sustain and advance implementation efforts
• Develop a community-supported Health Action Plan that addresses local health concerns influenced by the built environment
• Engage local elected officials in the review, adoption, and advancement of the plan
• Establish or strengthen local cross-sector coalitions to support implementation

Selected communities will receive:

• Technical assistance from local and national subject matter experts in planning, public health, and community engagement
• Membership in a statewide Community of Practice to support peer learning and knowledge sharing
• Opportunities to participate in statewide summits related to community development
• Up to $15,000 plus possible additional incentives for community design planning and implementation

Communities selected for the APHL Pilot will play an active role in shaping their action plan and moving community ideas toward implementation. Selected communities will be asked to:

Community-based organization representatives (local coalitions or workgroups)

• Join regular check-in calls with Well-Ahead LA and technical assistance partners to share progress, receive guidance, and troubleshoot challenges.
• Participate in planning and readiness assessments to help identify priorities, benchmark community assets, and guide the planning process.
• Attend and participate in the APHL Action Plan workshop, where teams will work with state and national experts to develop a clear plan for their community.
• Form a team of 3-5 members who will guide and support the planning and implementation process.
  • Each community team should include:
    • Elected officials or designated party
    • Community members or resident leaders
  • Communities are also encouraged to include partners such as:
    • Local or regional public health representatives
    • Transportation planners (state, regional and/or local)

Use the link below to complete the APHL Cohort Application, which will serve as an overview of your community’s most pressing health challenges and opportunities.

• Issues may include health metrics such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, limited access to safe places for physical activity, barriers to walking or biking, lack of connectivity to everyday destinations, or other community design concerns that impact residents’ ability to be active.
• No issue is too big or small! Applicants may also provide supporting images, maps, meeting minutes, or other materials to help illustrate the issue.

As part of the APHL Pilot, priority will be given to communities that demonstrate both a clear need and the potential to advance projects that improve opportunities for physical activity through community design. This may include communities with existing momentum around planning or infrastructure improvements, communities located in target parishes, and communities seeking to advance strategies such as safer walking and biking routes, improved access to parks or destinations, or policies that support activity-friendly community design.

Teams will be notified of selection by April 30^th, 2026.