Livable St. Louis Network launched

Trailnet sent the following announcement today:

Livable St. Louis Network Launched

First network of its kind catalyzes partnerships for the adoption of model transportation and land use policies to create a more livable St. Louis region

After a year of developing its steering committee, on May 18 the Livable St. Louis Network launched for widespread participation by professionals, agencies, advocates, and groups.  Visit  www.livablestlouis.com to learn more and to join the network.

The Livable St. Louis Network (LSLN) was formed by lead partners Trailnet and the St. Louis University School of Public Health to bolster regional coordination across sectors and agencies.  Funders from the national to the local level have provided feedback encouraging organizations in St. Louis to collaborate.

"Many of the issues facing local governments today have impacts beyond local borders.  Reaching real solutions on issues such as economic development, transportation,or affordable housing takes many partners sharing their experiences and bringing resources together," says Glenn A. Powers, St. Louis County's Director of Planning and LSLN steering committee member. This was a recurrent theme in LSLN's interviewing process that identified a need for dynamic collaboration to build the regional capacity necessary to adopt model transportation and land use policies. 

Individuals interested in creating a more vibrant St. Louis region are encouraged to join LSLN at www.livablestlouis.com and connect to and participate in work groups. The steering committee and work groups are designed to create accountability to the vision and goals of the Network while empowering members to shape its efforts.

Over the next several months LSLN will be publicizing the network and providing both formal and informal educational and professional development activities throughout the region. In 2010, the LSLN steering committee built momentum through: 

  • Providing free transportation and scholarships to 28 St. Louis area leaders to the Pro Walk Pro Bike Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee through a collaboration between Network members Great Rivers Greenway and Trailnet.
     
  • Hosting a community meeting with Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, who discussed the Notice of Funding Availability for the Housing and Urban Development Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program.  The meeting fostered collaboration that resulted in an application and $4.6 million funding award to East-West Gateway and grant partners.
     
  • Hosting a dinner featuring Charlie Gandy, Mobility Coordinator for Long Beach, California, where he shared his city's vision to become the most bike friendly city in America.

     
  • Co-sponsoring the Livable St. Louis Conference: Creating a Movement of Healthy, Active and Vibrant Communities which included an impressive list of national speakers who addressed livability topics.
     
  • Hosting a leadership meeting with Chris Leinberger from the Brookings Institution about the economic benefits of a livable community.

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Trailnet leads in fostering healthy and active communities through innovative programs, planning, and policy that promote walking and bicycling throughout the St. Louis bi-state region. 

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