Livability, in a few words

Seattle residents respond

Wendy Natt, Apr 01, 09.

What makes a city livable? The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce asked people in the Seattle community to submit 50-word answers to this question as a way to open up a dialogue about the concept. Submitted pieces range widely, as might be expected, and contributors draw myriad connections between livability and both physical and abstract aspects of city life.

A few submissions from the website:

“A livable city provides safety, a clean environment, mobility, affordability, educational opportunities, parks and open space, good jobs, decent food and a strong sense of community to all of its residents. To become even more livable, Seattle should break down inter- and intra-governmental silos and focus on achieving these outcomes.”

Craig M. Benjamin
Cascade Land Conservancy

“We thrive when we are connected — to people and place; to work and play; to past, present and future. A good city fosters connections. Diversity, local ownership, the public realm and environmental stewardship are all profound connectors. But above all, to achieve its full potential for cultivating connections, a city must be a place where people walk.”

Dan Bertolet
GGLO

“The requirements and delights of life are readily available to people of all ages and incomes; easily accessible by the most egalitarian travel modes, by foot in particular; and safely reached by all, from a young child onward. Concentrate the resources and bring people closer to them, and to each other.”

Lydia Heard
VIA Architecture