Livability: A Vital Component To The Future Of America's Transportation System

On June 16, 2009, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the historic interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities to better coordinate Federal policies and establish a national Livability Initiative. The Partnership will help ensure that communities in rural, suburban and urban areas are afforded better access to quality housing, more transportation options, a cleaner environment and ultimately lower costs in transportation.

Specifically, the Partnership has established six Livability Principles, which will serve as the foundation for implementing Federally funded projects and programs.

1. Provide more transportation choices
2. Promote equitable, affordable housing
3. Enhance economic competitiveness
4. Support existing communities
5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment
6. Value communities and neighborhoods

(from the National Scenic Byways Resource Center) read the full article here...