Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who has made significant contributions in civic partnership, environment, transportation and livability, speaks up and says, A truly livable community is one where its citizens care enough to take action; a place where people work to make sidewalks plentiful, traffic slower, streets safer and an environment that encourages people to use transit.

Communities are developing strategies tailored to their specific culture and needs. In many cities there is a fundamental assumption that citizens have a say in the shaping of their cities. Portland, Oregon has been recognized for integrating public participation into its planning process. Citizens not only choose a candidate, they have the opportunity to make decisions about their own surroundings. Congressman Blumenauer was born, raised and educated in Portland, and has not only witnessed its changes but has been actively involved in them. Meaningful public participation vastly improves the caliber of our plans, he says, as he proudly mentions his success at initiating university-level classes for citizens on traffic and transportation. People who lived and worked in our neighborhoods had a different - and highly useful - perspective that was often overlooked in our zeal to address these issues.

Since his election to Congress Blumenauer has visited over 100 communities accross the nation, working to make these neighborhoods more livable in an effort to enhance their environment. He has also built strong partnerships throughout the executive branch and has shared the Portland Story with numerous congressional colleagues, introducing them to key players in livable community efforts in Portland.

Earl Blumenauer also describes a Livable Community as one that provides a safe, healthy environment; where the use of land and resources is sustainable, where they have a government that makes wise investments; and where the ability to make choices on key issues such as housing, employment and transportation is available to all. There is a growing general awareness that public transportation enhances livability as opposed to the corrosive effect of the highway based infrastructure we have developed over the last fifty years.

Representing Oregon's 3rd Congressional District, Representative Earl Blumenauer is a strong and creative voice for the environment, according to American Society of Landscape Architects President Susan L.B. Jacobson. “Representative Blumenauer is widely acknowledged as the Congressional leader on the issues ASLA cares most about, such as sustainable development, the National Parks System, transportation planning, and the link between these issues and economic opportunity. He helped found the House Livable Communities Task Force and actively seeks ASLA's support for and input on issues affecting community design and planning."

Congressman Blumenauer is being recognized for his inspiring leadership in Congress on issues affecting sustainable development and smart growth planning. As a member of the House vigorous advocate for transportation policies, programs, and funding levels that support regional planning, encourage public participation, and enable communities to craft a range of transportation options. As a member of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Blumenauer has been a strong proponent of leadership in the international arena, focusing on environmental concerns, global climate change, and the livability challenges faced by fast-growing urban regions in developing countries.