Reasoning & Evidence
Cross-sector collaboration is important to drive long-lasting, systemic change for housing, transportation, and public spaces. This also includes cross-boundary partnerships across county, city, and state lines. These partnerships expand on the sharing of best practices, resources, and solutions to combat social isolation and can lead to the development of scalable and adaptable models that address the unique needs of diverse communities and leverage diverse perspectives to tackle multifaceted issues.(130) For example, urban-rural partnerships can provide insights into how different environments influence social connectivity and how interventions can be tailored to suit different demographic and geographic contexts. Similarly, collaboration between public transit authorities and housing developers can prioritize transit-oriented development while state and municipal collaboration can be effective in streamlining resources and policies across different governance levels.
Examples of Community Implementation
Massachusetts, USA: AARP State President, Sandra Harris and Dr. Caitlin Coyle of UMass Boston Gerontology came together to advance social connection across the state of Massachusetts. They convened a taskforce of community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers to develop strategies for enhancing social connections. Four years later, the 40-member Taskforce not only facilitates cross-boundary collaboration between local and state leaders, it also promotes public awareness of social health and pilots new methods to combat loneliness and isolation for all ages.
Ohio: USDA-funded Extension programs are effectively enhancing connections between rural and urban areas. As part of a project at Ohio State University, aimed at bridging urban and rural divides, the program has explored economic flows, cultural diversity, and environmental challenges across the urban-rural continuum. It highlights the dynamic interactions between urban and rural areas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to development that recognize these complex relationships.
United States: The Safe Routes to Parks initiative, a coordinated effort between the National Recreation and Parks Association and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a community-driven effort aimed at ensuring community members have equitable access to local parks and green spaces. Cross-sectoral collaboration between local governments, health departments, urban planners, and more is vital to developing comprehensive strategies enhancing walkability, pedestrian infrastructure, and their connection to third places.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: The Built Environment Sector