City of Kenmore Mayor David Baker and Councilmember Stacey Denuski joined First Lady Michelle Obama and representatives from the National League of Cities (NLC) and several federal agencies at the White House on Sept. 16 for a celebratory event honoring the achievements made by local elected officials participating in the Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) initiative.

The First Lady announced that 500 cities, towns and counties, including Kenmore, have committed to the five goals in the LMCTC initiative since July 2012. LMCTC is a key part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative and helps local elected officials, their staff and communities ensure all children grow up healthy and have the ability to reach their full potential. NLC works in partnership with Let’s Move! and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide assistance to local elected officials.

Kenmore is part of a growing national movement to build healthier communities and ensure that the health and well-being of young people today and that of future generations is a priority. Examples of Kenmore’s accomplishments include being recognized as a Playful City USA community by the national nonprofit KaBOOM!, increasing opportunities for play with the addition of two new playgrounds, and partnering with community organizations such as the Northshore YMCA to bring healthy foods and physical activities to children during the summer months.

“Strong cities are built on a foundation of strong families and empowered neighborhoods that support every child. The steps we take in Kenmore to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children and youth are among the most important investments we can make in the health and economic vitality of our community,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker.

At Wednesday’s event, the First Lady also recognized the 52 communities, including Kenmore, that have achieved gold medals in each of the five goal areas, which include providing healthy school meals, opportunities for physical activity during and outside of school, and healthier early care and education programs.

“I’m proud of the work Kenmore has done to reduce childhood obesity and improve opportunities for activity in our city. Investing in our youngest residents is one of the most important things a city can do for its future,” said Kenmore Councilmember Stacey Denuski.

“This groundbreaking milestone of reaching 500 communities brings us closer to the goal of providing every American with the opportunity to live in a community that prioritizes the health and well-being of their residents,” said National League of Cities President Ralph Becker, mayor, Salt Lake City, Utah. “These local policymakers, representing small and large communities from across the country, are transforming their communities into healthier places.”

The 500 cities, towns and counties honored at today’s event come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. To date, approximately 80 million Americans live in a city, town or county participating in LMCTC.

For more information on the achievements by LMCTC communities, visit www.healthycommunitieshealthyfuture.org/spotlights/.