Associations launch online livability portal for local governments and planning organizations

KANSAS CITY, MO. — The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced the release of a comprehensive livability portal, www.narc.org/livability, that offers a variety of resources and tools for local governments and their regional planning organizations. The portal is a result of a collaboration with the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) and other key national associations and federal agencies including the National League of Cities (NLC), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

APWA members participated with NARC and others as subject matter experts to investigate the challenges and opportunities in planning for and implementing livable communities. The two year partnership resulted in the online livability portal that will empower regional planning organizations and their local government partners to lead their communities toward resilient communities.

The tools were designed to help regions and local governments implement their own community livability vision, while coordinating transportation planning elements. The project yielded 13 outreach workshops, 15 case studies and a Guidebook that identifies funding and financing options, provides strategic communications templates, and helps further local and regional livability efforts.

“The resources developed by NARC along with APWA and other key national partners will enable public works professionals to understand how to best bring livability principles to the infrastructure and services they provide,” said APWA Executive Director Peter B. King. “The resources and tools included in the online portal will enable our members to build stronger and more livable communities, and APWA is proud to be a collaborative partner with NARC and the others to create this important online livability resource,” said King.

To access information on the case studies, tools, research, and/or local and regional government livability resources, visit the APWA Center for Sustainability blog regarding the online livability portal at www.apwa.net/centerforsustainability/blog/Posts/PastPosts/Aug%202013.