Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Talking Headways Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: Indexing Livability for All Ages

podcast icon logo
false

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 New York City

POINT: New Yorkers Need the Delivery Protection Act — Now

The Delivery Protection Act will force long-needed change in Amazon's business model.

February 24, 2026

COUNTERPOINT: Don’t Let Politics Destroy Honest Delivery Businesses

The Delivery Protection Act could destroy my small business.

February 24, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Flake News Edition

Mayor Mamdani gets back on track. Plus other news.

February 24, 2026

SNOWPOCALYPSE 2026 UPDATE: Mamdani Admin Travel Ban, More Shovelers Shows Expanded Response To This Storm

Mayor Mamdani all but admitted on Monday that his administration’s response to the latest blizzard was informed by his somewhat-criticized performance during the first storm of his tenure.

February 23, 2026

Gov. Hochul Is Playing With Toys — And The Facts — In Latest ‘Propaganda’ Video on Car Insurance: Lawyers

The governor is still fighting to make it cheaper to drive with a reform that would reduce compensation to some crash victims.

February 23, 2026
See all posts