Associations support federal “livability principles”
Six “livability principles” for sustainable communities, announced recently by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been well received by the Washington-based Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Washington-based AARP. Under the principles, HUD, DOT and EPA will coordinate on programs that create more transportation choices, promote affordable housing and place value on communities and neighborhoods.
The new coordination represents a change by the new administration toward supporting principles for community planning that ULI and AARP have been promoting in recent years. “This commitment demonstrates a stronger focus on land use and community building than we have seen at the federal level for many years,” ULI Chief Executive Officer Richard Rosan said. “Clearly, this administration understands that our nation’s cities and metropolitan regions are the economic engine for America, and that they are in competition globally for business and for talented workers.”
AARP Executive Vice President for Social Impact Nancy LeaMond said the federal announcement “reflects an understanding that their plans and policies have to focus first on people.” “Putting into practice the goals the cabinet officers announced today could raise the quality of life for older Americans,” LeaMond said. “Most people age 50 plus want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and when they move they prefer to stay in the general area. But, today substantial numbers report they can’t safely cross their neighborhood’s major streets. They find their public transportation inconvenient and their sidewalks inadequate, and all too often affordable and accessible housing is unavailable nearby. The framework announced today could change that.”
More information is available from the Urban Land Institute’s press release and AARP’s press release.
