Congressman Earl Blumenauer Takes On Sprawl

Jessica Tirado interviews Congressman Earl Blumenauer about his groundbreaking work promoting livable cities.

1 minute read

October 20, 2003, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who has made significant contributions in civic partnership, environment, transportation and livability says, "A truly livable community is one where its citizens care enough to take action; a place where people work to make sidewalks plentiful, traffic slower, streets safer and an environment that encourages people to use transit." Since his election to Congress, Blumenauer has visited over 100 communities accross the nation, working to make these neighborhoods more livable in an effort to enhance their environment. He has also built strong partnerships throughout the executive branch and has shared the "Portland Story" with numerous congressional colleagues, introducing them to key players in livable community efforts in Portland. Earl Blumenauer describes a Livable Community as one that provides a safe, healthy environment; where the use of land and resources is sustainable, where they have a government that makes wise investments; and where the ability to make choices on key issues such as housing, employment and transportation is available to all. There is a growing general awareness that public transportation enhances livability as opposed to the corrosive effect of the highway based infrastructure we have developed over the last fifty years.

Thanks to Andy Kunz

Tuesday, October 14, 2003 in NewUrbanism.org

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