The Most Important Years: Building Healthy Cities Starts in Early Childhood

Much of the trajectory of our lives is set in motion in our earliest years. A myriad of factors are in play, from family life and health care to education and housing. These are the moments when we learn our first words, eat our first meals, and take our first steps. These are also the moments when systemic inequities can take hold—if we allow them.

The right investments and policy changes can give everyone a healthy early childhood. While the state and federal levels often get the most focus, cities and towns like yours can take innovative and powerful steps right now to make healthier and more equitable communities. And because childhood health is impacted by so many factors, there are many unorthodox and innovative levers to make real improvements right now.

Join us for a lively discussion of what’s at stake, what must be done, and how each of us can get started. Come with questions, insights, and examples from your own communities.

Speakers include:

• Lara Burt — Senior Program Specialist, National League of Cities (NLC)
• Melanie Latson — Policy & Research Manager, National Black Child Development Institute
• Krista Scott — Senior Program Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
• Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari — Co-Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education of New York
• Anthony Trotman — Executive Director, Katie Blessing Foundation
• Patrick St. John (moderator) — Narrative & Digital Campaign Director, Schott Foundation for Public Education