Brian Welch, Fehr & Peers Principal, Participates in Plan Santa Barbara Forum

Los Angeles -- Brian Welch, Principal-in-Charge of the Fehr & Peers Los Angeles office, recently served as a panelist in Community Health and Urban Planning: Creating a Healthy Community, a forum organized by the Santa Barbara City College and the Coalition for Community Wellness. In this forum, community members learned about the relationship between the way we build our cities and neighborhoods and community health. This event was part of Plan Santa Barbara, which is examining how the city will grow and develop over the next 20 years.

Welch’s experience during the forum was eye-opening and educational.  ”We’ve all had a hunch that less walking, driving everywhere and smog could have long term health consequences.  The panelists provided compelling information that proved that isn’t just conjecture, but those are indeed actually occurring.”  As a panelist, Welch found this most compelling.   

The Coalition for Community Wellness was very appreciative of Welch’s presentation at the forum, “the coalition and the audience were very impressed with the thoroughness of your presentation, your visuals and your knowledge. You have a depth and breadth of experience in so many communities.  Transportation is such a vital part of planning healthy communities.”

Fehr & Peers has been selected to lead the Circulation Element Update as part of Plan Santa Barbara.  The work will start in March 2008.

To learn more about the forum, click here.

To read the Coalition for Community Wellness thank you letter, click here.