Opening Statement of Councilmember David Grosso

Committee on Health Public Hearing on

B23-89, Health Impact Assessment Program Establishment Act of 2019
April 23, 2019

I want to start by thanking you Chairperson Gray for holding a hearing on all of these measures
and specifically, Bill 23-89, the Health Impact Assessment Program Establishment Act of 2019.

I introduced this legislation, along with you Chairperson Gray, and several of our colleagues,
because far too often the health of our residents is not prioritized in the development of policy
or projects across the city.

Research indicates that there are myriad factors outside of the traditional health scope that
shape health-related behaviors. Economic sectors such as housing and transportation can
have profound impacts on the health and well-being of individuals and communities and yet
these impacts are often not sufficiently evaluated.

As the District of Columbia continues to grow, it is imperative that we assess how development
and other projects positively or negatively affect the health of our residents, particularly in
light of the enormous health disparities across the city by ward and by race.

This legislation establishes a Health Impact Assessment Program within DC Health, enabling
them to examine projects such as those related to new construction, mixed-use development,
use modifications, changes to roadways and more to determine their impact on physical
activity, mental health, food and nutritional choice, noise levels, accessibility for individuals
with disabilities and a host of other factors.

The overall goal of a health impact assessment is to give voice to community concerns, provide
policymakers with recommendations, and help to ensure that health is prioritized and
inequities are reduced.

To their credit, in 2016, DC Health in partnership with DMPED, DGS, DOEE and others,
completed the Buzzard Point Community Health & Safety Study to address potential health
and safety issues for the residential community in the vicinity of the multi-phased voluntary
cleanup and redevelopment of Buzzard Point.

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While that study was comprehensive, it is—to my knowledge—the only such study completed
by DC Health to evaluate a large-scale project. Passage of this legislation ensures that we are
promoting sustainable development, improving and reducing health inequities, encouraging
cross-sectoral collaboration, and inspiring a greater appreciation for public health in the
policymaking process in perpetuity.

I am committed to improving the health and wellness for every D.C. resident, and I know you
are as well Councilmember Gray, and I believe this legislation is an important step toward
accomplishing that goal.

I am open to suggestions for ways to continue to strengthen this measure and I look forward
to working with you and your staff, along with DC Health and all other interested stakeholders
to ensure we create a program that is sustainable and effective in analyzing the health impacts
of projects across the city.

Thank you once again for holding a hearing on this bill and I look forward to the discussion to
follow.

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