The National League of Cities (NCL) has recognized Mayor Steve Pougnet and the City of Palm Springs with a total of five Gold Medals for completion of key health and wellness goals in Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC). The targeted campaign is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic.

Athletic Mayor Steve Pougnet

Of 449 participants, Palm Springs is now ranked No. 1 in the country along with 10 other cities. Pougnet stepped up to the LMCTC challenge to adopt sustainable and holistic policies and programs that improve the community’s access to affordable food and physical activities. In partnership with the Desert Healthcare Foundation, more than $1 million has been raised over the past three years for health and wellness programs in Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. Key funding and awareness initiatives include the very successful Mayor’s Healthy Planet, Healthy You Race and Wellness Festival.

“We congratulate and commend Mayor Steve Pougnet and the City of Palm Springs in your efforts to improve the health of your community’s children and families,” said NCL President Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota. “Through leadership and dedication of local elected officials in cities, towns and counties across the country, we are beginning to see a measureable decrease in obesity rates and a cultural shift towards health.”

Palm Springs promotes health through community events and programs

The City of Palm Springs received a total of five Gold Medals for achieving the following five key goals:

• Goal I: Start Early, Start Smart: Promoting best practices for nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in early care and education settings.

• Goal II: My Plate, Your Plate: Prominently displaying My Plate in all municipal or county venues where food is served.

• Goal III: Smart Servings for Students: Expanding access to meal programs before, during and after the school day, and during summer months.

• Goal IV: Model Food Service: Implementing health and sustainable food service guidelines that are aligned with Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• Goal V: Active Kids at Play: Increasing opportunities for physical activity.

“The City of Palm Springs is committed to practicing and promoting good health in our community, and to fighting the childhood obesity epidemic,” said Pougnet.

“There is nothing more important to the success of a community than good health and on behalf of the City of Palm Springs, I want to thank the NCL for this tremendous recognition.”