Conservative commentators criticize the Obama administration for supporting 'livability' programs, calling them social engineering. Neal Pierce argues that 'livability' is shorthand for a strategy that tackles a number of serious problems.
Pierce argues that the concept of livability is as American as apple pie, and that it is hardly a dictat for Americans to be forced out of their cars and onto buses.
He writes, "A federal finger on the scale in favor of compact, economical, resource-conserving development doesn't need to be as heavy as safety regulation. Key words in the administration's initiative are affordability, access, choices, connection, character of place, collaboration - hardly some kind of ruthless dictation. "
FULL STORY: "Livability" — Wimpy Term But Big Stakes For Us All

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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