Synthesizes existing research on land use and regional development and provides an analysis of the potential benefits of a California Assembly Bill that would have addressed inequitable sales tax distribution, rewarded smart growth projects, and encouraged development that fosters regional cooperation and meets smart growth principles.

Explores the connection between development patterns, physical activity, and poor health and examines how neighborhoods that have become racially segregated and economically isolated as a result of sprawling development patterns offer few opportunities to be physically active.

Frames the issue of health disparities and communities in a comprehensive, integrated manner and suggests what new strategies, approaches, and policies may be needed.

Ties the principles of equitable development to smart growth, prioritizes policy opportunities in Greater Boston, and includes strategies to improve current policies and advocate for new directions, such as the application of equity criteria to all publicly subsidized development.

Addresses California’s growth, looks at how local communities are struggling to address unmet community infrastructure needs that impact quality of life, analyzes the infrastructure shortfall, and makes the case for two constitutional amendments that were under consideration in the California state legislature in 2003.

Describes the barriers to participation of leaders of color in local and national public policy development and the strategies that can be used to remove the barriers so that leaders can use their expertise and experience to benefit low-income communities of color and the nation as a whole.

Makes recommendations for using inclusionary zoning (IZ) in New York City by drawing on success stories nationwide, identifying five New York neighborhoods currently slated for rezoning, and showing how IZ can increase affordable housing in those communities and whenever city neighborhoods are rezoned.

Discusses a multi-level approach to improving diet and activity, describes a variety of successful community-level and legislative actions that can serve as models, and makes broad recommendations for further policy and action.

Reviews common barriers to improved health among various Latino populations, including neighborhood issues, language conflict, and changing diet, and explores promising policy options and successful community-based efforts.

Provides a manual for advocates who are interested in building and applying skills to achieve economic and social equity.