The Tool has been designed for several potential purposes identified in the table below. Members of the ENCHIA Community Council envisioned that City agencies could use the Tool in comprehensive planning and in plan and project review. For example, to evaluate land use development plans, one can assess how the expected outcomes of development projects or policies affect the community health indicators, or whether a plan achieves development targets. The Tool can be used by anyone who has data on the outcomes of a project, plan or policy, including planners, developers, government agencies, and community residents and organizations.

To date, three applications of the HDMT have been completed. The primary target for the Executive Park Subarea Plan and Eastern Neighborhoods Area Plans applications were several local area plans under development by the SF Planning Department. The Bernal Heights Community Health Assessment targeted a decision-making process related to a local preschool. For more information on these applications, see our Case Studies.