By: Lily Prielipp

Fort Collins, Colo.- Cities are most well-known for being dirty, chaotic, destructive, and overwhelmingly intolerable. What makes the busy city lifestyle attractive to individuals or families, and how do they maintain their happiness? Health and community well-being have a significant impact on the happiness of an urban center; moreover, sufficient health levels in a city promote a flourishing environment. Fort Collins, for instance, promotes individual well-being which benefits local businesses and bolsters a sense of trust among citizens of the Fort Collins community because of the utilization of outdoor spaces.

According to the United Nations for Sustainable Development, there are fundamental links between health/well-being and a sustainable environment, and the “facets of spatial design” are the main drivers for low or high measures of well-being (Barton & Grant, 2012). Commuters often face high levels of stress because of travel, noise, danger, insecurities, and a lack of time in nature. Fort Collins, however, emphasizes sustainable ways of living and fosters a rich community through promoting healthy living habits for residents. The current mayor, Jeni Arndt, focuses on cultivating an environment that sustains water, agriculture, small businesses, and public education.

Photo by: Fort Collins, Colorado

Even through smaller actions, such as an incentive to turn off home irrigation systems by October 1st, Fort Collins promotes healthy city living on an individual level or through sustainable services. These services promote “community resilience” by leading sustainability through people, planet, and prosperity.

Urban places struggle with the balance between lifestyle efficiency and sustainability; likewise, residents’ health is often undermined by city development and there is no way for well-being to resurface in a rush-dominated culture. Cities should have “environmental mastery” and the ability to “thrive and navigate the world” (Montgomery, 2013). Fort Collins emphasizes sustainable activities, which demonstrates healthier living conditions and overall creates a happier city.