Top U.S. officials pledge 'livable communities' to fight global warming

By Dylan Rivera, The Oregonian

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Three members of President Barack Obama's cabinet today announced a Partnership for Sustainable Communities, to boost affordable housing and alternative transportation to protect the environment and curb emissions that contribute to global warming.

The effort adds the Environmental Protection Agency to a "livable communities" initiative that U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said was modeled on Portland's mixed use neighborhoods, streetcars and light rail.

"Creating livable communities will result in improved quality of life for all Americans and create a more efficient and more accessible transportation network that serves the needs of individual communities," LaHood said. "Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects and programs will help America's neighborhoods become safer, healthier and more vibrant."

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson joined LaHood in testifying at a Senate committee hearing on the topic today.

The officials outlined six livability principles that will guide their efforts: Provide more transportation choices; promote equitable, affordable housing, enhance economic competitiveness; support existing communities; coordinate policies and leverage investment and value communities and neighborhoods.

The principles emphasize redevelopment in existing cities rather than growth in new suburban areas.

They also push alternatives to driving, such as mass transit and walkable neighborhoods, and economic development through "reliable and timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities (and) services."

This is a significant change from the Bush Administration's near singular focus on using transportation spending to speed freight.