Winter Park economic development manager joins health-focused program

A prestigious program focused on creating healthier communities has big plans for one Winter Park resident.

East Central Florida Regional Planning Council Economic Development Manager Luis Nieves-Ruiz recently was selected for the Urban Land Institute’s Health Leaders Network, a new program designed to empower real-estate and land-use professionals with skills, knowledge and networks to improve health outcomes in their communities.

It’s a group of 32 professionals from across the country who work in the fields of real-estate development, urban planning and design, engineering, finance and health care.

Nieves-Ruiz is the only employee chosen from the state of Florida.

“This ULI Health Leaders Network Program recognizes that health and wellness starts at the local level,” Nieves-Ruiz said. “At a time when federal elected officials are still contending with changes to the nation’s health care system, this initiative provides a forum where land-use professionals can seriously discuss how modifications in the built environment can improve community health outcomes.”

The Winter Park resident will join the 31 other Health Leaders at a fall meeting in Los Angeles to participate in an introductory forum. Then, they will participate in a series of webinars, group projects and individual assignments in the next eight months and focus on a commercial corridor in Seattle. Things wrap up with a final forum in Denver.

“I am particularly interested in gaining more knowledge on how to create land use policies and regulations that promote connectivity, walkability and access to fresh, affordable food,” Nieves-Ruiz said. “Another interest of mine is learning about small scale-low cost interventions that can increase the quality of life in urban neighborhoods. My office is currently collaborating with several county health departments and planning agencies on several projects that could benefit from this information. On a personal level, I am excited to connect with professionals from across the nation interested in identifying opportunities to better integrate health into land use planning processes.”

Nieves-Ruiz is originally from Puerto Rico and received his master’s degree in regional planning from Cornell University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

At the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, he takes on numerous projects related to health. Some of these include the development of the Orange County Food Production Strategic Plan and the Goldsboro Food Entrepreneurship Plan, the establishment of the Good Food Central Florida Food Policy Council, and the development of the Kissimmee Medical Arts District Program.

Aside from volunteering in several community and professional organizations, Nieves-Ruiz is an active member of the Downtown Orlando Toastmasters Club, where he has received the Advanced Communicator Bronze designation.