Livability has become a key element in the agendas of Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies as they make plans to invest in the quality of life, economic competitiveness, and recovery of American communities. However, ‘livability’ is a broad term encompassing many values and entities, all of which must be engaged to create livable communities across America. This endeavor must begin with a definition of livability that recognizes its many complex elements and the creation of a common agenda upon which to build. Only after a solid foundation for action has been laid can the resources of public and private agencies most effectively achieve livability for all.
Federal agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency have begun to take steps toward creating livable communities through collaborative engagements. The Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities and the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities are excellent foundations; however, livable communities are built and sustained only when these key offices and agencies partner with local cultural and civic institutions.
In September 2010, Partners for Livable Communities, with hosting provided by the Smithsonian Institution, presents Building Livable Communities: Creating a Common Agenda. This forum is designed to discuss how quality of life, economic development, and improved social services can be achieved through collaborative efforts between government and cultural institutions. The forum seeks to explore a comprehensive livability framework that city, state, and national leaders can reference to revitalize the American community.
The Building Livable Communities forum addresses a number of diverse and pressing issues, which are explored in White Paper. To help frame the event within the appropriate context, a background on Partners for Livable Communities is provided, along with a discussion of the word ‘livable’ and the approach Partners has developed to meet the challenge of building livable communities. As in the forum, current federal livability programs and initiatives are reviewed here, followed by a discussion of the importance of cultural amenities and of the role partnerships between private and public institutions play in achieving livable communities. In conclusion, there is a call for members of the community, whether a government employee or leader of civic institution, to step forward and create an agenda for improving livability.