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TRIS Online Accession Number:01679713
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Abstract:The term “livability,” as it relates to transportation, is not well defined at the state level. The nationwide discussion of livability increased with the creation of a national level, joint Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities between the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency. This initiative has identified six principles of livability (US HUD, USDOT, US EPA, 2009), including: 1) Provide more transportation choices; 2) Promote equitable, affordable housing; 3) Enhance economic competitiveness; 4) Support existing communities; 5) Coordinate policies and leverage investment; and 6) Value communities and neighborhoods. The goal of this project was to determine if State DOTs had defined “livability,” and if so, are they incorporating it in their policies, procedures, and projects in a meaningful way. Researchers reviewed the websites of 51 State DOTs, including the District of Columbia, to learn if the DOT has a definition of “livability” or “livable community.” If a definition of livability was found, then these sources (i.e. website, literature) were also reviewed for information on how the definition and livability principles are being implemented. In addition, if a definition of livability was found and information was found on how the State DOT is implementing livability principles, researchers also reviewed and searched each website to learn whether or not progress on implementing livability principles and goals is being tracked or measured. Researchers found a definition of “livability” or “livable community” for about half of State DOTs (28 of 51, including the District of Columbia). The most common theme that ran throughout most of the livability definitions was public health and safety. This was followed closely by the theme of economic development and access to good jobs, with definitions including related wording. About half of the livability definitions included a reference to providing transportation options. All State DOTs that had a definition of livability had some means of implementing it. However, few, if any, State DOTs have livability-specific programs or advisory councils. Rather, livability is incorporated, and in some cases, made a priority through other initiatives and projects. Of the 28 State DOTs that were found to both have definitions of “livability” and be implementing it in some manner, four have performance measures either already in use or being developed. Livability appears to be an all-encompassing and integral part of all processes in some DOTs, while playing only a minor role in others. For livability to truly be implemented, it seems State DOTs need to make livability more than a goal; they need to make livability a mindset.
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