The Benefits of Livability Planning and Land Use

The Benefits of Livability

Full Report

Overview

If “just 15 percent of anticipated new U.S. growth is concentrated within an existing developed area, the country could save $109 billion in reduced road building costs, $4.8 billion in water system costs, $7.8 billion in sewer system costs, and $4 billion in public services costs” (page 1). This document created by the Federal Highway Administration attempts to describe Return on Investment (ROI) for livability initiatives. Community planners and government leaders can use the document to make the broad business case for implementing livability initiatives locally.

Key Points

The brief document is designed to communicate four key ROI areas and two quick success stories. The four arguments for livability ROI are: Economy: Lower construction and operating costs, Transportation, Housing, and Land Use: Lower costs, better value, Public Health: Walking and biking can reduce obesity and improve health and Environmental Benefits: Improved Air and Water Quality. Though far from comprehensive, these sections do make the case that livability can result in increased annual savings ($10,230 per year by utilizing transit services), increased health and lower death rates, and a cleaner environment. The two success stories listed include The Capital Bikeshare program in Washington D.C. and the Portland Streetcar initiative in Portland, Oregon. Of the two, the latter provides compelling ROI for stimulating business growth (an increase of 55 percent of new businesses along the line with $3.5 billion in new investment).

How to Use

Planners need to utilize every communication method available. Some presentations for ROI should be detailed for presenting an extensive business case. But some marketing ROI pieces should be brief, quickly outlined and demonstrate the impact of local initiatives to the average citizen particularly as it may relate to their personal incomes. Use this publication for making the broad case of livability effectiveness in various sectors of the local economy. View full report:

Stay Informed — For Free

The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages.
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.