Union Township Awarded Grant to Link Health and Planning

The Township of Union has received a $20,000 grant from the Plan4HealthNJ program to strengthen the connection between public health and land use planning. The grant was awarded at a ceremony held on September 18, 2026, and the township announced the award on October 9, 2026.

The six-month grant will support Union’s efforts to integrate health considerations into the township’s planning and development decisions. The funding will be used to conduct a review of local health data, integrate health outcomes into the town’s master plan and ordinances, and engage residents through community outreach to better understand local health priorities.

Community Input Welcome

Residents can provide their input and help shape the project by completing an online survey at https://us.maptionnaire.com/q/plan4healthnj2. The township states that this work will help ensure that future planning decisions promote healthier neighborhoods, improve access to resources, and enhance quality of life for all residents.

Mayor’s Vision

Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier highlighted the significance of the initiative.

“Partnering with Plan4HealthNJ gives us the vital tools to connect land use planning with real, measurable health outcomes,” Guerra-Frazier said. “This funding enables us to take a proactive approach to our town’s future by ensuring that health and wellness are at the forefront of every land-use and planning decision we make. We are committed to using these resources to create healthier, more equitable, and more resilient neighborhoods for every family in our town.”

About Plan4HealthNJ

Plan4HealthNJ is a program of the NJ Chapter of the American Planning Association and is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The initiative is focused on advancing strategies that connect public health and land use planning to create healthier, more equitable communities across New Jersey.

Project Director Angela Knowles congratulated Union on its participation.

“We congratulate the Township of Union for their leadership in advancing healthier, more resilient communities,” Knowles said. “By joining the Plan4HealthNJ initiative, Union is taking a meaningful step toward aligning local planning with measurable health outcomes and integrating health considerations into long-term decisions and regulations. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for their generous support, which makes this important work possible.”

What’s Next

Additional details about the project timeline and community engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming months. Residents interested in the intersection of health, planning, and community development are encouraged to watch for updates and consider participating in the survey and upcoming community outreach activities.

Union County Life will follow this initiative as it develops.

FAQ

Q: What is Plan4HealthNJ and why did Union Township apply for this grant?

A: Plan4HealthNJ is a program of the NJ Chapter of the American Planning Association, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It focuses on advancing strategies that connect public health and land use planning to create healthier, more equitable communities. Union Township applied to strengthen the connection between public health and land use planning in the township.

Q: What will the $20,000 grant be used for?

A: The six-month grant will fund three main activities: (1) Conducting a review of local health data; (2) Integrating health outcomes into the township’s master plan and ordinances; (3) Engaging residents through community outreach to understand local health priorities.

Q: How can residents participate in this project?

A: Residents can provide input by completing an online survey at https://us.maptionnaire.com/q/plan4healthnj2. Additional community engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

Q: What are the goals of this project?

A: The project aims to ensure that future planning decisions promote healthier neighborhoods, improve access to resources, and enhance quality of life for all residents. It will integrate health and wellness considerations into every land-use and planning decision the township makes.

Q: What did Mayor Guerra-Frazier say about the grant?

A: Mayor Guerra-Frazier emphasized that the funding enables the township to take a proactive approach by ensuring health and wellness are at the forefront of planning decisions. She stated the township is committed to using these resources to create healthier, more equitable, and more resilient neighborhoods for all families.