Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: Indexing Livability for All Ages

podcast icon logo
Meal delivery is one service of Project Roomkey. Photo: LAHSA

This week we chat with Rodney Harrell of the AARP Public Policy Institute about their new Livability Index Tool. I ask him who the tool was created for and tell him why it should be regarded as more than just magazine clickbait. We talk about the robust policy tools that were included for each section and how the data was collected and at what geographic scale.

We also have a chat about the neighborhood scores and what disappointed us about our neighborhood ratings. Rodney discusses how he’s already used the index to promote investment in his neighborhood and how other neighborhoods around the country are using it too. Finally we discuss which cities surprise him and get into a quick chat about Twitter use among policy wonks and why people who have to take care of family members later in life are more likely to be aware of livability issues.

Join us for a fun data driven conversation.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Pasadena Seeks Input for Transit Service Overhaul

Several lines could be condensed on the north side of town, a new line is proposed from Huntington Hospital to JPL, and Dial-A-Ride could give same day service.

March 17, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Record heat, Santa Monica, LAX people mover, Culver City, westside bus lanes, K Line, Griffith Park, MacArthur Park, car-nage and more.

March 17, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Metro NoHo-Pasadena BRT meeting in Burbank tonight, Westside safety project meetings, Metro board committees, SGV bike rides, and more.

March 16, 2026

Eyes on the Street: Short New Protected Bike Lane on Pacific Avenue

Installed as part of Downtown Long Beach's Resa mixed-use development, the northbound protected bike lane extends for one block, immediately south of the Metro A Line Pacific Avenue Station

March 16, 2026

Monday’s Headlines

ICE, record heat, LAPD, Pasadena 710 plans, Long Beach parklet, carpool cheat, Seal Beach e-biker injures ped, car-nage, gas prices, and more

March 16, 2026

Rosemead Creates Subcommittee on Bus Rapid Transit with Neighboring Cities

After a contentious city council meeting, the motion passed.

March 13, 2026
See all posts