Downtown On the Go will join Transportation Choices Coalition to co-host a forum at Carwein Auditorium at University of Washington Tacoma on Thurs., Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. The forum will explore the intersection and overlap of public health and transportation issues, and discuss what is happening locally, in the legislature, and nationally in planning and policy decisions around these two topics. Previously scheduled during January’s snowstorm, the forum has even more relevance now that House Bill 2370, including health in the state transportation system policy goals, has gained momentum in Olympia.

The event will be a panel format with time for discussion and questions from the audience.

The panel will be moderated by Victor Colman, Director of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, a coalition of organizations working on improving our overall environment so children can live healthy, active lifestyles. Panelists include Representative Andy Billig from the 3rd Legislative District in Spokane, who will share the incorporation of health impacts in transportation planning and spending at the state level; Julia Walton, Urban Planner and founder of Inova Planning, who will discuss the national and regional movement around addressing health in transportation and land use planning; and Kirsten Frandsen, Prevention Program Coordinator at Tacoma-Pierce Health Department, who will delve into local efforts regarding a federal grant to reduce disease and obesity in Pierce County by promoting active transportation.

The forum is free to the public. To register, visit http://transportationchoices.org/events/public-health-transportation-forum-rescheduled . UW Tacoma, Carwein Auditorium is located near numerous bus routes and Tacoma Link Light Rail. This event is co-hosted by Coalition for Active Transportation.