Playing Smart changelabsolutions.org | kaboom.org 13 Joint use agreements are not a simple undertaking: the scope and terms must be planned carefully, and garnering support from decision-makers at various levels is key. This chapter looks at ways to foster support for joint use at the state and local level, and provides a checklist of practical issues to consider when developing a joint use agreement. Chapter 2 Getting Started Building Support at the State and Local Level State and local policymakers can help promote joint use initiatives by providing funding and policy support. Creating a joint use task force helps ensure coordination and ongoing communication among local agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders. State agencies can develop grant programs to fund joint use policy development, or participate in state-level strategic planning efforts. Here are some examples of policy strategies at the state and local level that support joint use: The Arkansas Department of Education runs the Arkansas Joint Use Agreement (JUA) grant program, a competitive pool of funding for local joint use initiatives funded by the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax. These grants help schools adopt and implement joint use policy and form collaborative partnerships to maximize resources while increasing opportunities for physical activity. Funds are available each fiscal year based on Tobacco Excise Tax appropriations or until funds are expended.36 In May 2008, California advocates established the Joint Use Statewide Task Force (JUST), which includes representatives of public health agencies, civil rights groups, urban planning agencies, local elected and appointed officials, park and recreation agencies, local school boards, academic researchers, and communitybased organizations. In addition to promoting community access to school playgrounds through joint use agreements, JUST’s mission also includes providing a venue to discuss these local and regional efforts and to develop long-term, sustainable actions at the state level. JUST’s website provides an online forum to facilitate this ongoing discussion and provide technical support.37 In 2010, Public Health – Seattle & King County secured two Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for obesity prevention efforts. The grants were directed in part to increase equitable access to safe and attractive school facilities outside of the school day for physical activity and recreation.38 In North Carolina, by joint resolutions, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkzMzk=