STAFF REPORT
Operations Committee,
January 3, 2008
Fit Community Designation (PR08-19)
Consideration of Council review and endorsement for
application submittal for “Fit Community” grant sponsored by North
Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North
Carolina
Speaker: Mr. Dwayne Jones
From: Mary G. Henderson, Director, Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources
Prepared by: Dwayne Jones, Recreation Manager
Approved by: William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager
Approved by: Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager
Background
In 2005 the Fit Together partnership comprised of North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina introduced “Fit Community” a designation and grants program to recognize and reward municipal and county efforts to promote physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco-free programs, policies, environments and lifestyles. The “Fit Community” designation is a public acknowledgement of a town or county's livability and commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. The “Fit Community” initiative is similar in intent to the Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign supported by the League of American Bicyclists. The designations promote civic excellence by encouraging community partnerships to address health, livability and sustainability.
In February 2007 Council approved staff moving forward with the application for the Town of Cary to be designated as a “Fit Community” and in June 2007 the Town received the official designation. The benefits of being a “Fit Community” designee include special statewide attention that may strengthen local community development and/or economic investment initiatives, “Fit Community” designees receive highway signage and a plaque for the Mayor’s office, enhancement of civic pride within the community, use of “Fit Community” designation logo for local promotional purposes and future grant opportunities. In addition, grant opportunities are made available to communities that apply or receive the designation. The grant process has been initiated for 2008 with applications due February 1, 2008.
Fiscal Impact: Grants are available up to $30,000 annually for a 2-year period. There are no matching fund requirements for this grant and there will be minimal impact to the budget.
Staff Recommendation: Council approval to submit an application to the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for 2008-grant program requesting $60,000 to assist in funding physical activity and healthy eating in our community.