The relationship between transportation and livability has been a recent theme in academic research, policy discussions, and planning practice -- including CMAP’s GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. The concept of livability comprises interrelated ideas such as sustainability, quality of life, the character of place, and the health of communities.

The two-day conference, “Transportation Systems for Livable Communities,” will take place October 18 to19, 2010, in Washington D.C. This conference -- sponsored by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) -- will bring together research on the connections and interaction between transportation and livability and provide an opportunity for transportation and other planning practitioners to share research results, explore practical challenges, and identify directions for future research. Information and registration is available online at the TRB website.