The footprint and design of our communities play a critical role in our ability to meet our climate change goals and our ability to tackle global warming. Whether it’s public policies and investments in transportation, water, schools, public safety, waste facilities, and parks - or private investment in commercial buildings, shopping areas, industrial facilities and individual homes - these decisions have an immediate and long term impact on our energy, our lifestyles, and the legacy we leave behind. The Livable Communities movement - making places safe, healthy, and economically secure - is no longer just about stimulating the economy by attracting key businesses and educated workers; it’s about setting a new course for a future that is environmentally and economically sustainable. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Congressman Earl Blumenauer (Ore-3) has devoted his entire career to public service, first serving in the Oregon House of Representatives in 1972. His innovative accomplishments in transportation, planning, environmental programs and public participation have helped Portland earn an international reputation as one of America’s most livable cities - places where people are safe, healthy and economically secure. Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996, Congressman Blumenauer is committed to promoting livable communities at the federal level and has authored and co-sponsored legislation to preserve and protect public lands, shift the nation’s energy policy towards renewable energy and energy efficiency, curb global warming and clean our nation’s water bodies, among many others. Named a German Marshall Fellow in 1995 Congressman Blumenauer has won numerous awards from environmental, education, community, and civic organizations, including 1999 Legislator of the Year from the American Planning Association, the 2000 National Building Museum’s Apgar Award, the 2005 Public Radio Leadership Award from National Public Radio, one of “The Top 25 Change Agents in Bicycling History,” from the League of American Bicyclists in 2005, and the 2006 Public Official’s Award from the Water Environment Federation.