The Built Environment (BE) Unit was launched in 2015 topromote health and equity through community planning and healthy communitydesign where individuals live, learn, work, worship, and play in Harris County,Texas.

The built environment includes the natural and human-made placeand spaces that affect daily life like housing, schools, parks, sidewalks,workplaces, as well as access to public systems such as transportation, water,and food. Urban planning is a process that guides how land, buildings, and publicspaces are developed. These decisions shape the built environment and directlyinfluence public health by determining access to healthy food, qualityeducation, healthcare, employment, as well as opportunities for physicalactivity and social connection. When planning decisions prioritize health andequity, communities become places where people can move safely, connectsocially, access opportunities, and thrive physically and mentally. 

The BE Unit collaborates with county agencies, community organizations, and local leaders to integrate health perspectives into all stages of planning and design ensuring that accessible and equitable public services, inclusive public spaces, safe routes and resilient infrastructure are a part of Harris County neighborhoods. 

Current initiatives include health impact reviews, community action planning, and active transportation efforts, such as Safe Routes to School, to improve community safety and health outcomes county-wide.