Book Description

This report identifies barriers to developing livable communities and sheds light on potential methods for overcoming these barriers. It identifies and highlights multiple strategies that may be applied to the design and support of livable community principles. The identified strategies have been initiated by federal and state government agencies as well as the private sector. These entities have recognized the power of collaboration and use of distinct tools to guide and stimulate systemic changes to make communities more livable for all. The highlighted strategies touch all facets of what livable communities do, that is provide residents with: (1) affordable, appropriate and accessible housing; (2) affordable, accessible, reliable, and safe transportation; (3) work and education opportunities; (4) health and support services; and (5) civic, cultural, social, and recreational participation opportunities. The examples presented in the report offer an optimistic view of the possibilities to change the way government organizes and manages resources, interacts with the business community and community developers, and responds to the expectations of evolving consumer interests, needs, and preferences for more choice and control in the delivery of support services. Six strategies to improve community livability are presented. These are: Strategy One: Agreement on changes in the collection and management of, and access to, multiple agency information about programs and benefits in order to be consumer responsive; Strategy Two: Utilization of favorable tax treatment (e.g. tax credits) to stimulate change in individual and corporate behavior that encourages investment in livable community objectives; Strategy Three: Agreement on common performance measures across multiple federally funded programs; Strategy Four: Utilization of private sector match to competitively secure public funding and stimulate public-private sector partnerships; Strategy Five: Agreement on changes in infrastructure to consolidate administration of multiple programs and improve ease of access; and Strategy Six: Utilization of waiver authority to promote state options to advance consumer choice and community participation. Several recommendations for action are detailed. The Mission of the National Council on Disability is appended. This report is the sequel to an earlier report entitled, "Livable Communities for Adults with Disabilities" [ED485694], dated December 2004. (Contains 6 tables.).