Launching Bright Cities Case Studies

The Healthy Babies Bright Futures Bright Cities program works with city leaders to equitably safeguard all children's futures. Nearly 30 cities across the country have worked to mitigate air pollution, trained childcare providers and parents to reduce toxic exposures at childcare centers, hosted healthy cooking demonstrations, and much more. 

As we work together to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world for children, the lessons that our cities learn during this process can be a valuable resource for other cities hoping to implement similar processes. To honor the collaborative efforts of our cities, and potential Bright Cities, we’re so excited to launch a new resource: Bright Cities Case Studies. 

These four case studies highlight Anchorage, AK; Columbia, SC; Missoula, MT; and Salt Lake City, UT, and the challenges and successes in their process to reduce babies’ exposure to neurotoxins. In each case study, you’ll find:

• What actions the city took to build a healthier future for kids
• Step-by-step explanations of how the city accomplished their goal, including common obstacles
• A playbook with detailed information on how to replicate their project 
• Quotes and photos from residents who have benefitted 

You can view each case study below: 

Anchorage, AK: Anchorage’s Toxic-Free Trainings and Nap Mat Exchanges Make Childcare Centers Healthier

Columbia, SC: How Columbia’s Three-Part Sustainability Strategy Protects Babies’ Brain Development

Missoula, MT: Missoula Creates Healthier Turf and Cleaner Air for Toddlers

Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City Works Towards Pesticide-Free to Make Parks and Homes Safer

If you have additional questions about these projects — or how to launch a project of your own — contact Kyra Naumoff Shields, our Bright Cities Director.