As our country rebuilds and looks to the future, we need to promote economic development and job growth in our neighborhoods by ensuring safe, more affordable places to live, work and raise families. 

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) introduced the Livable Communities Act of 2011 which helps urban and rural communities nation-wide promote job growth, more efficient transportation choices, affordable housing, and stronger neighborhoods.

Perlmutter said: “This bill revitalizes Main Street and promotes economic development and job growth in our neighborhoods by helping communities cut traffic congestion, promote energy efficiency, create more affordable housing, and protect open spaces. This kind of planning will create better and more affordable places to live, work, and raise families.”

More specifically, the legislation would:

• Provide resources to help communities develop and execute comprehensive regional plans incorporating economic development, transportation, and housing options.

• Help communities attract transit-oriented development projects to support property enhancement, utility development and community facilities near public transit stations.

• Formally authorize the existing Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

With this funding, communities will become more economically competitive, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

“Often times the best way to solve problems locally is to think regionally. Cong. Perlmutter’s bill gives city and town leaders the tools to do just that. It is exactly the kind of partnership we need to foster between the federal government and local government leaders across the country,” stated Sam Mamet, Executive Director, Colorado Municipal League, which represents 265 cities and towns.

Perlmutter also sponsored this legislation during the 111th Congress.

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