Livable Cities from a Global Perspective

Livable Cities from a Global Perspective offers case studies from around the world on how cities approach livability. They address the fundamental question, what is considered "livable?" The journey each city has taken or is currently taking is unique and context specific. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to livability. Some cities have had a long history of developing livability policies and programs that focus on equity, economic, and environmental concerns, while other cities are relatively new to the game. In some areas, government has taken the lead while in other areas, grassroots activism has been the impetus for livability policies and programs. The challenge facing our cities is not simply developing a livability program. We must continually monitor and readjust policies and programs to meet the livability needs of all people.

The case studies investigate livability issues in such cities as Austin, Texas; Helsinki, Finland; London, United Kingdom; Warsaw, Poland; Tehran, Iran; Salt Lake City, United States; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; and Cape Town, South Africa. The chapters are organized into such themes as livability in capital city regions, livability and growth and development, livability and equity concerns, livability and metrics, and creating livability. Each chapter provides unique insights into how a specific area has responded to calls for livable cities. In doing so, the book adds to the existing literature in the field of livable cities and provides policy makers and other organizations with information and alternative strategies that have been developed and implemented in an effort to become a livable city.

Roger W. Caves is Professor Emeritus of City Planning, School of Public Affairs, San Diego State University. He is the author of Land Use Planning: The Ballot Box Revolution (1992), editor of Exploring Urban America (1995), co-author of Planning in the USA (2003, 2008, and 2014), editor of Encyclopedia of the City (2005) and co-editor of Community Livability (2012) with Fritz Wagner. His research areas include urban planning, direct democracy, smart cities, housing and information technology, and community development.

Fritz Wagner is Research Professor Emeritus in the Department of Urban Design and Planning at the University of Washington (Seattle). He directs the Northwest Center for Livable Communities and teaches part-time. Before joining the University of Washington he was at the University of New Orleans for 26 years, where he founded the College of Urban and Public Affairs and served as its Dean.