Kate Farrar

Smart Growth America (SGA) today announced that State Representative Kate Farrar of West Hartford and Newington is selected for the first class of the State Legislator Champions Institute. The State Legislator Champions Institute is a program created to help state legislators develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create transportation policies, plans, and funding mechanisms that support public health, climate, and equity goals.

“I am so pleased to welcome State Representative Kate Farrar to the first class of the State Legislator Champions Institute,” said Beth Osborne, Vice President of Transportation and Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America, and former Acting Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation. “State legislators are in a key position to set transportation policy and oversee transportation spending. Through the Champions Institute, SGA will work to support participants in making their state's transportation system more friendly and help advance State Representative Kate Farrar's vision of more accessible, equitable, and economically viable communities for all Connecticut residents.”

"The State Legislator Champions Institute is a great opportunity to work and learn from legislators across the country and leading transportation experts," said State Representative Kate Farrar. "I'm looking forward to developing ideas, collaborating on solutions, and forging relationships that will help me advance the 20th District and Connecticut."

Over seven weeks in March and April, participants in the State Legislator Champions Institute will attend virtual learning sessions that will make them experts in equity-based principles and train them on the fundamental steps to take to change transportation policy in their state, from legislation and funding to oversight and community engagement. Participants will also learn about best practices and challenges from across the country, as they navigate different strategies in a collaborative and supportive peer-learning environment.

The state legislators selected for the State Champions Institute will have the opportunity to learn from a broad array of national experts in the areas of public health, policy, street design, climate change mitigation, public safety, and project implementation. At the completion of the Institute’s program, Champions will be experts in promoting state-level policy to create safer transportation options for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists. Champions will also be prepared to support plans, policies, and funding that promote the CDC's Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative of expanding activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations, in their communities.

This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. This program is designed to support the Active People, Healthy Nation initiative through developing more activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations.

Smart Growth America envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize our vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity. For more information visit www.smartgrowthamerica.org.

Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative is a national initiative led by CDC to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027. Increased physical activity can improve health, quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs. These improvements can help reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases and conditions and provide effective treatment for many of these conditions. Other potential benefits include better school performance and improved military readiness. Building active and walkable communities can help support local economies, result in less air pollution, and create more cohesive communities. Learn more here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity protects the health of Americans at every stage of life by encouraging regular physical activity, good nutrition, and healthy weight. Through the support of state and community partners, they provide data, programs that work, and practical tools so that Americans have the best possible chance to achieve healthier lives and avoid chronic diseases.