To create more livable neighborhoods, we need to make sure that our communities are designed in such a way that they address the needs of all residents and improve their quality of life. That means taking into account the needs of a diverse population: the young and old, wealthy and poor, healthy and disabled.

While community design and the way we use land will be influenced to some extent by geographic location, there are some time-tested principles that can help us create and preserve vibrant, livable communities. The Ahwahnee Principles address the issue of community design in numerous ways.

They emphasize communities should be complete and integrated, with housing, shops, workplaces, schools, parks and civic facilities are within walking distance of each other.  They call for a diversity of housing types and range of job types, with as much of this as possible close to a transit stop.  The Ahwahnee Principles also call for the placement of a plethora of open spaces and public spaces throughout a community in a way that encourages their use and streets, pedestrian and bike paths forming routes to all destinations. Further, the Principles call for the design of the community to conserve resources and minimize waste.

Examples of Livable Communities:
Stapleton
Belmar
Carbondale