Livable Communities Initiative

Communities all across the United States are beginning to understand  that growing according to our values is critical to our quality of life.  A livable community is a place where families, friends, and neighbors can preserve a sense of community while still achieving economic prosperity.  A livable community includes opportunities for the development of bicycle and pedestrian paths, improved public transit, and balanced development that leads to job creation.  Some concepts that may encourage a community to be more "livable" include:

  • Improved and Planned Urban Design
  • Sewage and Stormwater Planning
  • Brownfield Redevelopment: Cleaning and Reusing Land that is Abandoned
  • Encouraging Alternatives to Single Person Car Travel: Biking, Walking, Carpooling, Buses, Rail
  • Sensible Land Use and Transportation Planning
  • Improved Access Management to Roads from Businesses and Homes 
  • Traffic Calming Measures
  • Improved Transit
  • Development Located Near Transit Stops
  • Mixed Use Neighborhoods: Homes and Apartments Mixed with Shops

Now Available!  
MACOG Smart Growth Initiatives Handbook: A Guide and Toolbox for the Efficient Management of Growth
For a copy of the Handbook, contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894

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Federal Transit Administration: Livable Communities:
Livable Communities Initiatives

Center for Livable Communities

Partners for Livable Communities
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program/ 
Congressman Blumenauer

 If you have any questions, please contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894 or e-mail us at macogdir@macog.com.