CNMI Walkability Action Institute — July 10 to 12, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENTS | July 21, 2023

From July 10 to 12, 2023, the Walkability Institute Working Group held workshops on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to facilitate discussions centered on Complete Streets and how this community design concept furthers public wellbeing. The Walkability Action Institute marked the initial phase of CNMI-wide efforts to improve the built environment, develop and/or enhance active transportation and routes to everyday places, and create communities that support pedestrian dignity, public health, and public safety.

"Complete Streets” is a development and redevelopment planning approach that aims to ensure that the needs of all transportation system users are considered in all transportation projects and project phases to support multiple sustainability objectives.

The Walkability Institute Working Group is a multi-organizational collaboration between the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, Non-Communicable Disease Programs under the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) Public Health Services, Brabu Behavioral Health Services, and the Office of Planning and Development.

The work of the Walking Institute Working Group aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #3: Good Health and Well-Being, #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #17: Partnerships for the Goals. Long-lasting and inclusive improvements to the Built Environment ensure that people of all modalities can enjoy and live in communities that support their health and safety.

The 2021-2030 CNMI Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan (CSDP) incorporates the United Nations' 17 SDGs and right-sizes them to reflect available data and set action plans to achieve them in the CNMI. More details on the SDGs and these action plans can be found in the CSDP, linked here: https://opd.gov.mp/assets/2021-2030_cnmi_csdp.pdf.

You can read more about the workshops here: https://www.mvariety.com/.../article_8024af2e-24aa-11ee...

If you have questions about Complete Streets planning or to join the Built Environment Taskforce's Complete Streets Working Group to receive updates on these and related initiatives and information about quarterly meetings please contact . Additional updates will be shared at the next meeting scheduled for 2pm ChST on July 27, 2023. You can find additional information including calendar updates at www.opd.gov.mp.

Walkability Action Institute Workshop photo 1 Walkability Action Institute Workshop photo 2
Walkability Action Institute Workshop photo 3 Walkability Action Institute Workshop photo 4
In this photo set, Walkability Action Institute Workshop participants outline short and long-term goals for the CNMI's Built Environment, tour existing sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure, and come together for a group photo. The three-day Walkability Action Institute, which featured workshops and tours on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, marked the initial phase of CNMI-wide efforts to improve the built environment, develop and/or enhance active transportation and routes to everyday places, and create communities that support pedestrian dignity, public health, and public safety. The Walking Institute Working Group is a multi-organizational collaboration between the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, Non-Communicable Disease Programs under the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) Public Health Services, Brabu Behavioral Health Services, and the Office of Planning and Development.