WALC achieves federal non-profit satus

Institute for walkability, livability achieves federal non-profit status
Port Townsend-based organization plans expansion of services to communities

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2011

(Port Townsend, Wash.) – The Walkable and Livable Communities Institute has achieved an important federal designation that will allow it to expand the services it provides communities throughout North America: it is now recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational organization.

The Institute, based in Port Townsend, Wash., helps create healthy, connected communities that support active living for all people through walkable streets, livable cities and better built environments.

“When we founded the organization, we committed to bringing the principles and practices of walkability and livability to people wherever they are,” said Dan Burden, executive director of the Institute. “This key milestone opens the door for providing even more assistance to communities, developing educational materials that we can share broadly and providing a level of support that moves communities from inspiration to action.”

Burden co-founded the Institute with General Manager Sarah Bowman. Both Burden and Bowman are residents of Port Townsend, although Burden spends the majority of his time in communities throughout the country helping them get “back on their feet.” He is an internationally recognized expert on walkability and livability who was named in 2001 by TIME magazine as “one of the six most important civic innovators in the world.” Burden’s wife Lys is an active member of the Port Townsend community.

Bowman is a planning commissioner for the City of Port Townsend and a board member for the Port Townsend Main Street Program.

“The Institute was incorporated as a Washington State non-profit organization in 2009 and has operated on a non-profit basis since then,” Bowman said. “Federal tax-exempt status is important, as it allows us to accept grant funding and tax-deductible donations to further the Institute’s educational purposes.” The Institute’s status as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational organization is effective retroactively to 2009.

In 2010, the Institute donated more than $130,000 in services to communities and organizations throughout the country. In addition, the Institute donated grant-writing services to secure another $135,000 in funding for two municipalities, including $110,000 in a sidewalk grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for Sheridan Street in Port Townsend. With access to additional resources, the Institute team plans to develop educational materials and provide even more service donations to communities.

For more information, please contact Kelly Morphy at kelly@walklive.org or (559) 250-4118.