Today I attended a public address by the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development, Ron Sims. This event was a pre-conference event and was cosponsored by the US Green Building Conference. In addition, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, City of Phoenix and One Economy joined the ASU Stardust Center in co-sponsoring this event.
Ron Sims’ message was especially salient given the challenges we face today in Arizona. He talked about the need for change towards density in our communities, and how sprawl will just not work in the 21st century. He commends Phoenix for its implementation of the light rail saying, “public transportation is the future and we have to make investments in public transportation if we are going to become sustainable.” His overall message was that cities have to embody what sustainability and livability stands for. Sustainability and livability means we leave no one behind. Sustainability and livability are going to be key changes and it is the “smart” cities who will prevail. These will be the communities and cities that attract the talent, how we build is our statement of life and it will define us as cities. I was glad nonetheless, to be able to go and listen to Ron Sims, a well achieved individual, speak on the importance of sustainable, livable, affordable housing.
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This sounds like an interesting topic. I also had the opportunity to hear Ron Sims speak a few months ago. Very captivating.
ReplyDeleteI think he would enjoy watching the challenges video from Dr. Crow. I'm sure there is some overlap encompassing what the two are trying to accomplish.
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