Transportation For America » Livability in small towns #5: Davidson, North Carolina

Livability in small towns #5: Davidson, North Carolina

September 1, 2010
By Sean Barry

This collection of 12 case studies helps put to rest the idea that livability is an exclusively “urban” idea. Small cities, towns and rural regions across the country are transforming themselves into more livable communities. While some of these communities face formidable threats – from job losses and shrinking populations to disappearing farmland and strained resources – their leaders have forged collaborations and created plans that are growing economies, benefiting people and protecting the land and lifestyles treasured by residents and non-residents alike.

Check back each day for a new post and read the full series of livability case studies as they’re posted. The intro can be found here.

Davidson, North Carolina

“To me, I have no problem with the government trying to look at the big picture. Livability and smart growth are in the interest of everyone and we all have the responsibility to be involved.”

Kris Krider, Town Planner, Davidson, North Carolina.

Davidson faced a surge in population head-on by revitalizing its town center and improving transportation options, earning the 2004 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement from the U.S. EPA.

Davidson, North Carolina, a small community 20 miles from Charlotte, is noted for its small town identity and great neighborhoods. Davidson has seen a sharp hike in population since 2000, but by increasing transportation options and revitalizing Main Street, the town was able to preserve its character and community. Davidson was the 2004 recipient of a National Award for Smart Growth Achievement from the U.S. EPA.

The key to Davidson’s success, according to Town Planner Kris Krider, was connecting each new housing or commercial development with travel options and broadening the definition of how people move.

“Sitting in traffic is not one of the themes of livability that we think is valuable,” Krider said. “It could be a walking path. It could be bike paths. Connectivity is not just streets, it’s connecting people.”

Under current law, communities like Davidson that take a more comprehensive approach to transportation often get shut out of federal dollars. That is why Krider supports President Obama’s move to reward the efforts like the ones Davidson has pursued.

“To me, I have no problem with the government trying to look at the big picture,” Krider said. “Livability and smart growth are in the interest of everyone and we all have a responsibility to be involved.”

“I think the relationship between the DOT, HUD and EPA is a great way to start,” Krider added, citing the Partnership for Sustainable Communities that stresses collaboration between the three agencies. “I think it’s looking at things comprehensively. We don’t live in a world that’s just HUD and EPA, so the relationships between agencies in the federal government should mimic what towns are facing.”

Source: Environmental Protection Agency. Krider, Kris. Telephone Interview. Monday, March 19, 2010.

Filed under: Campaign Blog
Tags: featured, livability, Livability Case Studies, north carolina, rural, rural areas, small towns, smart growth

http://www.urbanescapee.com Katie McCaskey

Thank you for doing this series. We moved from New York City to the small town of Staunton, Virginia (pop. 25,000 – visitstaunton dot com) for reasons expressed in this article – that walkability and a vibrant downtown greatly contribute to quality of life. We’re close enough to D.C. that we can get a “big city” fix when we need it… living here sure beats the car commutes we had in Northern and Southern California, too. There are still plenty of cultural amenities small towns need to compete, but, with growing job mobility more people may choose to this lifestyle.
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