POLICY

We enact policy that changes the environment for sustainable impact.

POLICY CHANGE IS A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND BLUE ZONES PROJECT TRANSFORMATION.

Optimizing the built environment and food, tobacco, and alcohol policies is a high-impact, cost-effective strategy to reduce chronic disease and raise well-being. While much of a healthy lifestyle is a result of personal choice, healthy changes on a policy level have a broad impact that influences personal choice across the community.

With this approach, individuals can see tangible transformation taking place in their lives: from the buildings they work in, to the streets and paths they navigate, to the foods available for them to buy and eat.

Progress becomes apparent in the community surroundings — at the individual and neighborhood level — ultimately creating a healthier culture in your city, which further grows support and enhances results.

Food Access for All

Expanding access to fresh, affordable food across Scottsdale.

Empowering Local Schools: Expanded the Coronado High School Cooking Club with new culinary equipment and hands-on training, while updating nutrition and cooking curricula for Scottsdale Unified School District staff.

Expanding Fresh Produce Access: Partnered with Sun Produce Co-op to host a monthly Scottsdale Farm Bag distribution site and expanded the Desert Mission Mobile Farm Stand to local senior living facilities and elementary schools.

Fostering Community Skills: Hosted hands-on cooking demonstrations and nutrition seminars across local schools, businesses, and neighborhoods, while founding the Food Skills Collaborative to pool regional expertise and resources.

Supporting Food Recovery: Coordinated with regional partners using temperature-controlled transport to redirect fresh, surplus food to community members in need.

Tobacco-Free Living

Reducing commercial tobacco and nicotine product use across Scottsdale to create a cleaner, healthier, and happier environment for everyone.

Strengthening Local Laws: Supported the Scottsdale City Council in updating city codes to align with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act and expanding public smoke-free protections to include e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Protecting Youth & Neighborhoods: Partnered with Scottsdale Community College volunteers to conduct local retail compliance checks in support of Tobacco 21 laws, and backed “No Smoking” protections near youth playgrounds.

Educating the Community: Helped plan and launch Escape the Vape and Beyond substance abuse prevention events in partnership with the City of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Unified School District.

Mindful Alcohol Use & Public Safety

Discouraging underage drinking, reducing excessive alcohol use, and supporting public health and safety programs across Scottsdale.

Youth Awareness Campaigns: Created Level Up, a targeted behavior-change and media campaign built specifically for Scottsdale youth aged 13 to 20.

Expanding Early Health Screenings: Provided digital equipment to Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) to integrate alcohol and substance use screenings into standard care, expanding early intervention access across 50,000 annual patient visits.

Built Environment & Active Living

Designing public spaces, streets, and community policies that encourage natural movement, improve walkability, and build social connections.

Created Community Walk & Play Groups: Launched annual indoor walking groups at Scottsdale Fashion Square and free pickleball programs at Scottsdale Community College to keep hundreds of residents moving and connected.

Improved Neighborhood Walkability: Partnered with HonorHealth Osborn Campus to design wayfinding signage and walking loops connecting to local parks, coffee shops, and exercise courses. Supported a new crosswalk on Brown Avenue to connect healthcare facilities safely.

Championed Safe Streets: Conducted on-site safety audits, provided grant support for city pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, and hosted a interactive traffic safety workshop for elementary students at Tavan Elementary.

Backed Thoughtful Urban Policy: Advocated for key city housing and active transportation initiatives, including Middle Housing, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and the Safe Streets Scottsdale vision.

"Blue Zones Project Scottsdale has been pivotal in expanding our fresh produce programs. From funding our refrigerated vehicle to driving community education, they’ve truly been the backbone of bringing fresh, local food to Scottsdale."

- Anne Costa | Desert Mission Living Well Director at HonorHealth

Join the Movement

Our community is on its way to becoming a certified Blue Zones Community. That means residents and organizations are focused on improving well-being for themselves and their neighbors. Together, we can make Scottsdale a healthier and happier place for current and future generations.

Get Involved