Livable New York: Data/Publications

Age, Sex, Race in New York State
On July 14, 2011 the U.S. Census Bureau released Census 2010 Summary Files for New York State. This data provides numerous tables with information on the age, sex, race/ethnicity, living arrangement and housing tenure down to the Census Blocks. This document details some first impressions of the age/sex structures for different race/ethnicity groups in New York State. 2010.

Demographic Trends in New York State
Data on migration and population in New York State. 2008.

The New Metro Minority Map: Regional Shifts from Census 2010
This paper shows how the rapid growth of Hispanic and Asian origin groups and new internal shifts of African Americans are transforming the racial and ethnic demographic profiles of America’s largest metropolitan areas ahead of other parts of the country.  Growing Hispanic populations are driving demographic shifts in major American cities, and changes in Asian and African-American populations mean greater diversity among young people – creating a cultural generation gap. 2010.

A Closer Look: 2010 (AARP)
This report looks at demographic trends found in a 2010 AARP population survey. 2010.

The Demographic Dividend
This report reviews the debate over the effects of demographic change on economic growth and examines the research evidence on the economic impact of changes in age structure. 2003.

Trends in America: Charting the Course Ahead
What are governments doing to understand the nature of our fast-changing world and to transform themselves to better respond to the new demands and challenges of the 21st century? 2005.

Opportunities for Creating Livable Communities (AARP) This paper presents examples of livable communities from across the country. Many have overcome barriers to provide thriving neighborhoods and infrastructure for community members. 2008.

Livable Communities: "Beyond 50" Environments for Successful Aging As we grow older, will our community be ready for us? This question is important for all of us, regardless of whether we live in a city, a suburb, a small town, or out in the country. And it is particularly relevant for those persons age 50 and older who are planning for (or have already entered) retirement or who are facing the challenges to independence and quality of life that often accompany aging. Circa 2005.

Creating Livable Communities One of New York State’s efforts to improve livability is Livable New York, a collaborative education and technical assistance initiative involving state and local government agencies, residents, professionals from multiple disciplines, and community leaders. 2008.

2007 AARP Survey: Livable Communities in Westchester County, New York Informative fact sheets outlining a survey of county residents. Includes data on transportation, services and economics. 2008.

Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) The result of a complex, four-year project to develop, collect, and analyze standardized information on homeless persons from a nationally representative sample of communities. 2007. Understanding Homelessness (U.S. HUD) A 2006 HUD report found that about 1.6 million Americans had slept in a homeless shelter or transitional housing sometime over a 12-month period. In March 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HUD jointly sponsored a national symposium to review progress in homelessness research and practice over the previous decade. 2008.

Planning and Zoning Initiative: Housing for Older Persons Most communities are unprepared for growth of older population and what the impact of this growth will be. This report outlines the need to advocate for a "clearinghouse" for best practices and trends in planning, zoning, and aging in place. 2008.

Aging in Place: Multi-family Housing Findings from a descriptive, exploratory study of one segment of multifamily housing as measured by the presence of 58 indicators of a development's capacity to enable elderly tenants to age in place successfully. 2004.

Housing Environments for Elderly People in the United States Policy shifts and consumer preference behaviors underlie the rapid growth in the number and variety of community-based services available to allow older people to successfully age in place, as well as the development of many types of purpose-built senior housing alternatives that integrate housing with activities, supportive services, personal care, and health care. 2002.

Planning and Zoning Issues Most Americans want to remain in the communities where they have long lived, and it is a myth that most become “snowbirds." Less than 5% of the population over age 65 live in nursing homes. Data is presented to help planners build livable communities in areas where zoning laws are often a great obstacle. 2008. Building for the 21st Century: American support for sustainable communities (poll) The poll focused specifically on support for sustainable communities: urban, suburban or rural communities that have more housing and transportation choices, are closer to jobs, shops or schools, are more energy independent and help protect clean air and water. 2011. Quantifying Energy Efficiency in Multifamily Rental Housing One way communities of practice are achieving more sustainable living environments is by reducing home energy consumption, which accounts for 22 percent of U.S. energy consumption. Multifamily rental housing has the greatest untapped potential for such savings, but also has some inherent difficulties. 2011.

Achieving Great Federal Public Spaces While the most evident spaces may be those found at our new facilities, a significant opportunity for urban development is present at our existing buildings as well.  Indeed, these interior and exterior public spaces have the benefit—or burden—of longstanding history in their neighborhoods. Circa 2000. Street Design Manual This manual published by the New York City Department of Transportation outlines best practices when considering walkability, aesthetics, and traffic patterns. The manual also makes it easier to better understand planning goals for all the various types of street design elements and materials. 2009. Universal Design In Housing Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. 2006.

Understanding Senior Transportation: Survey of Consumers 50+ (AARP) Transportation helps individuals to stay independent as they age. Driving, riding with a friend or family member, walking, or riding a bus or van keeps individuals connected to their community. These transportation options provide the access to the goods, services, and social activities that are essential to a good quality of life. As individuals grow older, however, they may experience changes in health and physical functioning that challenge their ability to use their usual transportation mode. 2002.