LIVABLE COMMUNITIES-2004. A LIBRARIAN AT EVERY TABLE. No. 229.

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES-2004

A major element of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship agenda is the promotion of communities that are affordable, mixed-use, high-amenity, compact, inclusive, and sustainable. This vision includes access to public transportation, both to enhance mobility and control air pollution, as well as locating housing near major employment centers. Another important element of livability is the incorporation of open space for aesthetic enjoyment, relaxation and physical exercise. To highlight these important community design concepts and values, the new monograph, Toward a Vision of the Livable Community, makes a case for smart growth based on 50 years of living with the consequences of sprawl and the hopeful experiences of communities that have put the well-being of people first.

WEAK JOB GROWTH MEANS LIBRARIES HAVE CHALLENGE
Job growth by the end of 2004 is less than half of what was projected by the Council of Economic Advisors. Job Watch reports on this weakest economic recovery since the 1930s. Looks as if services like the Johnson County Library Business Services Career Center will be busier than ever.