Designing Healthier Cities: Inside the Blue Zones Project Riverside

In this episode of Policy Chats, Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside, joins Dean Mark Long, host Dori Pham and Shivani Narang to discuss how place based policy and community design shape public health and longevity. Drawing on her background in local government and nonprofit leadership, Edwards explains how the Blue Zones model turns global research into practical strategies for local communities.The conversation examines key challenges in implementing health focused policy, including community engagement, barriers in the built environment, and the limits of long term public health evidence. Edwards highlights the need for cities to act on best practices and adapt policies to local needs.The episode also explores how the Blue Zones Project drives change through its focus on people, places, and policy. From walkability and food access to tobacco regulation and workplace wellbeing, Edwards shows how local actions can build healthier and more connected communities.The episode concludes by reflecting on sustainability and how Riverside’s efforts contribute to broader public health change over time.🔍 Topics Covered:- The Blue Zones framework and the “Power Nine” principles of longevity- The role of community engagement in local policymaking- Structural barriers to building healthier urban environments- Challenges of evidence-based policymaking in public health- Place-based policies: walkability, food systems, and tobacco regulation- The three pillars of Blue Zones: people, places, and policy- Public-private partnerships and community-based implementation- Measuring success through wellbeing data and long-term indicators- Sustainability and scaling local health initiatives nationally📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Erin Edwards, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project Riverside🎙️ Hosted by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Shivani Narang🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.