Livable Communities

Child in the City asks “If you could see the city from an elevation of 95 cm, what would you do differently?” It provides a toolbox of specific policies and planning practices for creating more child-friendly communities.

March 9, 2021 - Child in the City: Planning Communities for Children & their Families

Architects Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa discuss their new exhibit and the challenges to planning and building affordable, livable density in Southern California today.

December 12, 2019 - The Planning Report

The historic Fort Mason, along with several other development projects, has helped alter the landscape of the city’s northern waterfront, according to Jim Chappell, former head of the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association.

September 17, 2014 - UrbDeZine

According to Mark Funkhouser, former mayor of Kansas City, there may be no better measure of a city's livability than whether parents want to raise children there. He explains why everyone benefits when sidewalks are filled with baby strollers.

April 26, 2013 - Governing

Congressman Earl Blumeanauer explains what landscape architects, architects, planners and engineers can do to bridge the gap between politics and more livable communities during ASLA's advocacy day.

May 19, 2012 - Dirt

With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.

September 2, 2011 - TheCityFix.com

The House Appropriations Committee announced earlier this month a proposed elimination of HUD, USDOT and EPA sustainability programs, in addition to pulling already-awarded funding for TIGER grants.

February 27, 2011 - PlaceShakers

In an interview with Arlington County Board Vice-Chairman Christopher Zimmerman, Jonna McKone asks the local official about current and future transit-oriented development (TOD) and managed growth in the Washington, D.C. region.

December 18, 2010 - TheCityFix

Grist talks with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood about just what exactly "livable communities" are and how the government is planning to create them.

October 28, 2010 - Grist

After Metropolis Magazine took a swipe at Sen. Dodd's Livable Communities Act of 2009, or S.1619, for being "All Carrot, No Stick" or worse, Grist comes to its defense as a necessary bill that would sustain Obama's current smart growth effort.

October 27, 2010 - Grist

A bill working its way through congress seeks to institute more "livable communities" in America. But with few mandates, it's unclear what the bill would actually do.

October 22, 2010 - Metropolis

My career is based, to a large degree, on my master’s thesis, which was a comprehensive evaluation of the full costs of various forms of transport. This provides a framework for determining optimal pricing, calculating the benefits of mode shifting and demand management strategies, and for comprehensive analysis of policy and planning decisions.

May 31, 2010 - Todd Litman

Secretary LaHood praised bike advocates for their work promoting livable communities, and admitted that he and his wife are weekend bicyclists.

March 14, 2010 - Streetsblog

National Journal asks its panel of transportation experts how planners should promote livable communities.

October 11, 2009 - National Journal

Testifying to the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee on July 14, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood clearly states that fuel efficiency must be complemented with livable communities and transit to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.

July 27, 2009 - Fast Lane (DOT blog)

The idea of creating "complete streets" for cyclists, pedestrians, mass transit, and cars is gaining popularity across the country.

August 10, 2007 - USA Today

With positive effects on public health, safety, and environmental quality -- walkability has become the new buzz word in planning.

February 20, 2007 - Wayne Senville