Improving livability and the built environment were the goals of a consortium of national organizations that came together almost 25 years ago to found Partners for Livable Communities.Ê The Washington, D.C.-based group initially focused on design and culture as resources for livability, but quickly turned its attention to documenting the economic value of design and cultural amenities.Ê

Over the years, Partners for Livable Communities has continued to broaden the definition of livability, exploring issues of social equity, leadership, citizen participation, and growth.

But there has been one constant in the life of the organization, and that is its president, Robert McNulty.Ê

Before founding Partners, Bob was the Assistant Director for the Art and Architecture program at the National Endowment for the Arts where he led the efforts to promote city livability.Ê He formerly directed Columbia Universitys School of Architecture program of historic preservation and was assistant to the director of the Smithsonians Museum of American History.

From his vantage point as president of Partners for Livable Communities, Bob McNulty has been a frequent writer, editor and contributor on urban strategies, and he has worked with Mayors and other local leaders to improve life in American cities.

Bob McNulty is our guest this week on "Smart City," Sunday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. streamed live on the Web on the WKNO-FM Stations.