The purpose of this guide is to articulate how the decisions local governments make play an important role in building healthy communities, which in turn help citizens to live healthier lives. This guide was produced for elected officials and senior staff in local governments, to help them recognize the importance of their role in building a healthy community, understand how the decisions they make can improve the health and well-being of their citizens, learn from the experiences of other communities in B.C., and take action to make their community a healthy one.