Envision livability

After helping to transform the pedestrian-scape of Bogotá, Colombia, as parks commissioner, Gil Penalosa joined a nonprofit organization, 8-80 Cities, and now advises decision-makers around the world on how to create a more livable community.

Penalosa will be the keynote speaker at a free public event, “What Does a Vibrant City of the Future Look Like?,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW in Lynnwood. The event is sponsored by Community Transit and the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Penalosa will present studies of sustainable city design. “When we design our cities around cars, we just get more cars,” Penalosa said. “But when we design our cities around people, we get healthier and happier people. If everything we did in our public spaces had to be fantastic for the 8- and the 80-year-old, we'd probably end up with communities that were good for everybody.”

The presentation will be moderated by Josh Brown, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, which conducts transportation, growth management and economic development planning for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The presentation will be covered live on Community Transit's Facebook page and on Twitter using the @ #8-80cities. While in town, Penalosa will also speak to a group of community and business leaders at an event sponsored by Community Transit and Economic Alliance Snohomish County.