As the Active People, Healthy Nation^SM Walkability Action Institute (WAI) enters its 12th year, we are excited to welcome Iowa and Tennessee as the newest state participants in this national initiative! Their addition continues WAI’s momentum in advancing walkable, active communities across the country.

In partnership with the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, the Active People, Healthy Nation^SM Walkability Action Institute (WAI) is an innovative training program that brings together cross-disciplinary teams of public health professionals, planners, transportation experts, and decision makers to strengthen collaboration and accelerate action around walkability. Through intensive, hands-on training, teams build the skills and partnerships needed to create environments that support physical activity and community health.

Since its launch, WAI has trained 750 participants across 112 teams from 34 states and two territories through 17 training events. These teams have documented more than 1,400 outcomes, reaching over 60 million people and leveraging more than $540 million in funding – representing an impressive 177:1 return on investment.

As WAI enters its second decade, the addition of Iowa and Tennessee reflects the continued demand for this collaborative, action-oriented approach. We look forward to the leadership, innovation, and impact their teams will bring to the growing WAI network.