Edens Lost & Found is all about helping cities become great places to live; places that can support population density without crowding, pollution, and stifling vistas of concrete. In Seattle, Edens discovered a community on the move toward creating a more "livable" city.

Admittedly, Seattle has some extraordinary natural blessings: it is near both mountains and ocean. Seattle residents say the natural environment was a leading factor in their decision to live here. Many, however, believe the environment is suffering because the human community is growing faster than its aging infrastructure.

Seattle clearly sees it has work to do. It is among forward-thinking cities that instituted an Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) to reach for a future that protects Mother Nature while it provides an array of features needed for human occupancy on a large scale.

The Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment reflects the importance of environmental quality and environmental consciousness in the community and translates it into action within the city government.

"We are making significant effort to strengthen community dialogue about the importance of restoring and sustaining our urban ecosystems," says Steve Nicholas, director of Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment.

"We also are presenting information about tools available to accomplish those goals. Our public health, our quality of life, and the long-term vitality of our economy require a broader portion of the community to be involved."

Edens interviewed a number of citizens, developers, activists, and government representatives about what's going on in the Pacific Northwest:

-Billy Frank of the Nisqually tribe about the affect of water quality on salmon, the cultural, economic, and dietary mainstay of the native people for generations.

-Bernie Matsuno, manager of the Matching Fund Program for Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods.

-Three members of the People's Waterfront Coalition, which is seeking a new vision for transportation that will open up the waterfront to pedestrian citizen uses.

-Members of the development team of High Point, where 1600 single, senior, and multiple residential units will be constructed using green technology to preserve resources, optimize density, include parks and non-motorized paths, utilize mass transit, and minimize environmental impact.

THE FOUR CITIES OF EDENS LOST & FOUND:
Chicago
Los Angeles
Philadelphia
Seattle