The Evolution of Livability

Each time that Partners has recognized a roster for America’s Most Livable places, we have used what we believe was the banner of that decade to define livability.

In general, our criteria every time we have offered the award, beginning with our first awards in 1975-1977 to 1986, 1994, 2000 for our 25th anniversary, and now to 2004, has related to our definition of a livable place or a livable community. As Partners has moved forward over time that definition has changed priorities depending upon whether our national economy is in a slump, whether we have a focus of regional cooperation, and whether there is a focus on the importance of investing in our human capital--particularly those that are the least advantaged in a community. Thus, each time that Partners has recognized a roster for America’s Most Livable places, we have used what we believe was the banner of that decade to define livability.

Initially in the late 70’s, it was focused heavily upon physical design of our communities, respect for heritage, and conservation of our natural resources.

The second time in 1986, our definition of livability was focused upon the transformation from our manufacturing to a service sector economy influenced by our landmark work entitled, "The Economics of Amenity."

In 1994, we focused upon leadership and the diverse elements needed to come together to pull a community forward through a team approach and the new banner of regional cooperation; i.e. it takes a region to nurture a world class economy.

In 2000, for our 25th anniversary ceremony at the Kennedy Center, we honored four communities that we thought were "little engines that could." These cities, Cleveland, Pueblo, Charlotte, and Rochester moved into the front ranks of American community achievement against great odds. Thus, we were interested in some of the branding and marketing issues that are topical to communities getting their fair share of attention and recognition.

In 2004, we are using the creative economy as brought to us through such economic pundits as Joel Kotkin of the Milliken Institute and Richard Florida of Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. As we once again evolve into a new economic order and into a new global competitiveness, the livability agenda with quality of life as a factor is right at the forefront. As TIME magazine said in their November 16, 2003 issue "Hot Towns," that for every community offering incentives for economic development "livability is often the clincher."

We come back to where we began in that livability is a long-term asset. It is not a luxury; it should be invested in. It can reposition your economy, support a caring attitude about the least advantaged, and highlight the importance of your historic central city. Livability can also foster a climate of good will, cooperation, and leadership in your diverse civic interests.

Thus, the criteria for the 2004 awards are taken directly from our reading of the creativity agenda as you will see in each web profile of each of our categories of honored communities.