What was learned from the community visits on the Livability Tour in September?
The primary purpose of the Livability Tour was to visit livable communities that can inform how we shape our partnership and future programs. The two Secretaries and Administrator visited three excellent examples of livable communities that are making an impact in their region: Chicago, Illinois, Dubuque, Iowa, and Denver, Colorado. In Chicago, West Garfield Park was struggling and slated to lose its lone transit rail stop due to low ridership. Through the leadership of Bethel New Life and the Chicago Transit Authority, transit service was maintained and upgraded. The heart of the redevelopment is the $4.5 million Bethel Center, a 23,000 sq. ft., two-story building built on a former brownfield. The building features green construction techniques and has applied for LEED Gold certification. In addition to the Center, Bethel also built 50 affordable homes within walking distance of the Center and the Green Line station. In its Historic Millwork District, the city of Dubuque is redevelopi
