$745K Funds Urban Mobility Solutions for Healthier, Sustainable Cities

Cities Receiving Funding: Akron, Chapel Hill, Fort Wayne, Bridgeport, Issaquah, Lima, Savannah, Portland, and New Orleans for Urban Mobility and Community Health Programs

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Urban mobility is emerging as a vital component in addressing public health and sustainability challenges, with cities across the U.S. leading innovative programs that prioritize active transportation, equitable access, and environmental sustainability. The 2025 Childhood Obesity Prevention & Environmental Health & Sustainability Awards, supported by the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), have recognized nine cities for their efforts, awarding a total of $745,000 in grants.

Mobility and Community Health: A Natural Synergy

The partnership between ABFHA and USCM, launched in 2012, has provided over $7 million in funding to 84 cities. This year’s awardees reflect the growing recognition of urban mobility as a cornerstone of healthier, more sustainable communities.

“Mayors know their cities best,” said Kevin Keane, president and CEO of American Beverage. “We’re proud to support local leaders in creating mobility solutions that advance health, sustainability, and quality of life.”

Urban Mobility Innovations in 2025 Award-Winning Cities

From bike-sharing programs to mobile markets, the 2025 recipients are rethinking how residents move within their communities to foster health and sustainability.

Small Cities: Making Active Transportation Accessible

  • Chapel Hill, N.C.: The Wheels of Wellness initiative empowers underserved communities by promoting cycling as a viable and enjoyable mode of transportation. Through bike skills workshops, block parties, and free bicycles with safety gear, this program enhances mobility and encourages active lifestyles while reducing reliance on vehicles.
  • Lima, Ohio: The Youth Pedal Bicycle Club equips students with cycling and repair skills through a structured 12-week program. Participants earn their own bikes and safety kits, incentivizing ongoing use of the city’s trails while instilling healthy habits and reducing sedentary behaviors.
  • Issaquah, Wash.: The Clean Cooking for Healthy Homes Program indirectly contributes to sustainable mobility by reducing household energy dependence, a complement to the city’s broader electrification and environmental efforts.

Medium Cities: Linking Mobility and Food Access

  • Akron, Ohio: Addressing food deserts through mobility, Akron’s Mobile Market Initiative brings fresh, healthy food directly to underserved neighborhoods via a 28-foot vehicle equipped with essential groceries. By traveling to residents, the program overcomes transportation barriers, making nutritious options accessible to all.
  • Savannah, Ga.: The Healthy Savannah Kids Club incorporates physical mobility into its holistic approach, with activities such as family walks and Mayor-hosted block parties that encourage active engagement with the city’s public spaces.
  • Bridgeport, Conn.: The expanded City Fresh Program prioritizes mobility by partnering with local farmers to transport fresh produce to low-income areas. Coupled with a composting initiative, this program fosters a cycle of sustainability and improved community health.

Large Cities: Mobility as a Tool for Empowerment

  • Fort Wayne, Ind.: The Plant, Pick & Plate Program combines urban agriculture with mobility education. Students engage in gardening and cooking while learning about sustainable food systems, encouraging them to embrace active transportation to access local resources.
  • Portland, Ore.: The Peace Memorial Park Revitalization Project enhances cycling infrastructure by adding bike racks and ADA pathways, transforming a neglected space into a mobility-friendly hub for recreation and reflection.
  • New Orleans, La.: Although primarily focused on food access, the Top Box Foods Produce Prescription Program integrates delivery services to bring fresh, culturally tailored meals to residents, alleviating mobility challenges in food-insecure areas.

Urban Mobility as a Foundation for Health and Sustainability

The emphasis on mobility in these programs highlights its critical role in shaping vibrant and sustainable urban environments. By providing tools, infrastructure, and education for active transportation, the 2025 awardees are addressing systemic challenges like childhood obesity, food insecurity, and environmental health.

“This partnership continues to show how public and private entities can collaborate to solve complex problems,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of USCM. “Investments in mobility are investments in a healthier, more sustainable future.”

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