Smart Growth America

10/27/2022

Nominate an inspiring Complete Streets leader - Smart Growth America

Is there an advocate, leader, or organization in your community who has played an important role in making your streets safer, more accessible, equitable, and complete in the last 5 years?

Nominate them to be featured as a Complete Streets changemaker!
https://smartgrowthamerica.org/nominate-an-inspiring-complete-streets-leader/

Is there an advocate, leader, or organization in your community who has played an important role in making your streets safer, more accessible, equitable, and complete in the last 5 years? Nominate them to be featured as a Complete Streets changemaker! Communities across the country are making signi...

10/21/2022

SGA, in partnership with the CDC's Active People, Healthy Nation Initiative, is excited to share our updated maps, which highlight the rising adoption of complete streets policies across the country from 2000 to 2021.

Communities continue to commit to providing safe access to destinations for everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, race, ethnicity, or mode of travel.

Learn more: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/complete-streets-policy-adoption-continues-to-grow-across-the-country/

09/26/2022

A smart growth approach to climate action - Smart Growth America

With the Inflation Reduction Act top of mind at , we explored what a smart growth approach to climate action looks like in the post-IRA landscape.
https://smartgrowthamerica.org/smart-growth-approach-to-climate-action/

This week, leaders from around the world came together for Climate Week in New York to discuss progress, share strategies, and push toward “getting it done.” And for the first time in a long time, there is real momentum and cautious optimism toward addressing the climate crisis. $370 billion in ...

08/08/2022

Dangerous by Design 2022 - Presentation

Take a closer look at the findings and hear from experts on this recorded webinar.

Speakers include Ken Rose, Chief of the Physical Activity and Health Branch at the CDC, Charles Brown, Founder & CEO of Equitable Cities LLC, and Beth Osborne, Vice President of Transportation and Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America.

https://youtu.be/0kDDqGyVYxk

This is the public briefing for Dangerous by Design 2022, the latest report from Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition about the e...

08/03/2022

The Champions Institute is back with its third cohort of local leaders - Smart Growth America

Announcing our newest class of Complete Streets Champions!

Read more about the Champions Institute and our cohort of local leaders here: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/the-champions-institute-is-back-with-its-third-cohort-of-local-leaders/

The Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Champions Institute—launched in 2020—is our initiative to equip a hand-picked group of elected officials to effectively advocate for and support safer and more complete streets in their communities. Today, we are proud to announce the second cohort of champio...

07/12/2022

Dangerous by Design 2022

is here.

Read the somber Smart Growth America report at https://smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design/

The COVID pandemic magnified what we’ve always known: Our nation’s streets are dangerous by design.Released today, Dangerous By Design 2022 provides the most up-to-date look at the preventable epidemic of people struck and killed while walking. The report ranks the most dangerous states and metr...

06/30/2022

WATCH: We recently worked with a residents in Newport, Rhode Island on an equitable development strategy. Hear from the residents, themselves!

06/17/2022

EXTENSION ALERT! Are you a local leader looking for ways to advocate for in your community? This is the program for you! Applications are now due on June 30th. https://smartgrowthamerica.org/apply-today-champions-institute-2022/

06/16/2022

Seeking state DOTs and local communities for Complete Streets Leadership Academies - Smart Growth America

Applications are now open for up to three state Leadership Academies! These free technical assistance programs are designed to help state DOTs and local communities work together to put Complete Streets into practice, engage in peer learning, and improve cross-jurisdictional coordination.

Participants will learn through a series of workshops and plan and launch “quick-build’ Complete Streets demonstration projects on state roads using sub-grants for materials from Smart Growth America, temporarily transforming dangerous streets or intersections into safer, activity-friendly routes.

Learn more and apply here:
https://smartgrowthamerica.org/2022-complete-streets-leadership-academies/

Applications are now open for up to three state Complete Streets Leadership Academies. These free technical assistance programs are designed to help state DOTs and local communities work together to put Complete Streets into practice...

06/15/2022

Sometimes you have to see it to believe it.

So we’re asking you to show us your dangerous streets (or ones that have been designed safely!)

With the latest report of coming out this July, we want to see what the roads look like outside of your home — are they stroads? Have safe crossings? Bike lanes non-existent? What about it makes you feel safe or unsafe?

Learn more here: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/we-want-to-see-what-your-streets-look-like/

06/09/2022

Explore smart growth strategies for preserving and protecting neighborhood culture during investment and neighborhood change, as well as how factors such as rapid development, gentrification, and rising housing costs affect community culture, cohesion, and belonging at Smart Growth America’s Equity Forum: Upending Cultural Displacement on July 13, 2022 at 12 p.m. ET.

Learn more: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-forum-cultural-displacement/

05/31/2022

Seeking our next round of local elected champions for Complete Streets - Smart Growth America

You still have one week left to apply to the Champions Institute: a program where you can, as a local elected official, learn how to advocate for safer, more Complete Streets in your community.

Apply today! https://smartgrowthamerica.org/apply-today-champions-institute-2022/

Applications are open for the third round of the Active People, Healthy Nation Champions Institute, an opportunity for local elected officials to gain the knowledge needed to effectively advocate for safer and more Complete Streets hosted by Smart Growth America (SGA) and the Centers for Disease Con...

05/30/2022

Biden Equity Action Plan impacts on housing and land use - Smart Growth America

In a new memo series, LOCUS, a program of Smart Growth America, has summarized key takeaways from the Equity Action Plans that are most relevant to the real estate, land use, and transportation sectors. Highlights include:
➕ Measuring equity impacts of land use and transportation policies
➕ Advancing environmental justice & brownfield redevelopment
➕ Improving financial tools and opportunities for homeownership
➕ Preparing for the current and future effects of climate change

Read more: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-action-plans/

The Biden Administration showcased its intentions to embed equity throughout the federal government with the recent release of the first-ever Equity Actions Plans for over 90 federal agencies. The plans detail department-specific goals and operational priorities to improve the delivery of equitable....

05/27/2022

What did we learn about public spaces and health equity during the pandemic? - Smart Growth America

ICYMI: The pandemic highlighted some of the ways we need to change our conventional approaches to make our communities resilient and our streets and public spaces safer for everyone.

Our latest report—Shared Spaces and Health Equity—gathers six lessons learned and a series of examples, based on an assessment of over 400 local policies and interventions around the country and interviews with key non-profit leaders: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/what-did-we-learn-about-public-spaces-and-health-equity-during-the-pandemic/

During COVID-19, expanded public spaces, wider sidewalks, and increased active transportation options became critical for providing opportunities for physical activity, accessing essential needs, and safely getting outdoors. But the burden of vulnerability to the pandemic was not spread evenly acros...

05/25/2022

What did we learn about public spaces and health equity during the pandemic? - Smart Growth America

During COVID-19, expanded public spaces, wider sidewalks, and increased active transportation options became critical for providing opportunities for physical activity, accessing essential needs, and safely getting outdoors. But the burden of vulnerability to the pandemic was not spread evenly across our communities.

Our newly released field scan explores how decision-makers did (or did not) account for existing inequities and identifies common barriers and six lessons for the future: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/what-did-we-learn-about-public-spaces-and-health-equity-during-the-pandemic/

During COVID-19, expanded public spaces, wider sidewalks, and increased active transportation options became critical for providing opportunities for physical activity, accessing essential needs, and safely getting outdoors. But the burden of vulnerability to the pandemic was not spread evenly acros...

05/23/2022

Seeking our next round of local elected champions for Complete Streets - Smart Growth America

Want to learn more about the Champions Institute?

Join us for a question and answer session on Tuesday, May 24 at 4:00 p.m. ET, hosted by Smart Growth America’s Senior Policy Advisor, Hon. John Robert Smith and Director of Thriving Communities, Rayla Bellis. The informational webinar will provide applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the Champions Institute and the application process and ask questions.

Register here: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/apply-today-champions-institute-2022/

Applications are open for the third round of the Active People, Healthy Nation Champions Institute, an opportunity for local elected officials to gain the knowledge needed to effectively advocate for safer and more Complete Streets hosted by Smart Growth America (SGA) and the Centers for Disease Con...

05/20/2022

Photos from Billings Planning & Community Services Department's post

05/18/2022

Shared Spaces and Health Equity: Lessons from a Pandemic - Smart Growth America

What did we learn about public spaces and health equity during the pandemic? 🤔

Our newly-released report captures a diverse range of experiences related to public space and mobility interventions during the pandemic, considers various emerging equitable approaches to mobility and active transportation, and provides insight on the lessons we learned.

https://smartgrowthamerica.org/resources/shared-spaces-and-health-equity-lessons-from-a-pandemic/

Activity-friendly streets, public spaces, and active transportation options became critical components of our daily lives during the COVID-19 crisis, providing avenues for physical activity, accessing essential needs and being outdoors safely. But vulnerability during and the burden of the pandemic....

05/11/2022

Mayors, city council people, tribal reps, & other local elected-officials! Do you want to become champions for promoting in your community?

Applications are now open for the Champions Institute: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/apply-today-champions-institute/

05/03/2022

Newport changes North End zoning to prioritize workforce housing, open space

“In these zoning amendments for the North End, you have the opportunity to be bold and to show the way for the future when it comes to making cities and towns livable for year-round residents.”

Earlier this week the Newport City Council unanimously passed zoning amendments—proposed by the Local Advisory Group who recruited SGA to help create an equitable development plan—that include stronger language around a Community Benefits Agreement, open space requirements, and workforce housing.

Read more about this important step: https://thepublicsradio.org/article/newport-changes-north-end-zoning-to-prioritize-workforce-housing-open-space

Newport officials are altering the city’s plan to redevelop Newport’s North End in response to concerns about equity. The move follows discussions raised by local residents about the potential negative consequences of redevelopment, like displacement.

03/31/2022

Nuclear Communities Forum

During the 40-plus-year life of most nuclear power plants, the communities surrounding them derive hefty economic benefits—as much as $400 mil in gross regional product.

Tomorrow, join Smart Growth America's Nuclear Communities Forum to learn how when they close, the community doesn't have to as well: smartgrowthamerica.org/ncforum/

Join us on April 1, 2022 at 11:00am - 3:15pm ET. The Nuclear Communities Forum will place the issue of nuclear decommissioning in a national context and offer a series of engaging discussions around the various impacts that host communities and regions experience when a local nuclear facility shuts....

03/22/2022

Equitable Brownfields Redevelopment - National Brownfields Coalition (NBC)

You don’t have to wait until 2023 for more Summit moments: join us on April 5th to learn how brownfield redevelopment can be used as a tool for equitable redevelopment.

Register for this free event below: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/join-the-equitable-brownfields-redevelopment-event-on-april-5th/

Join the National Brownfields Coalition for an engaging virtual event addressing how practitioners can center equity in their work and develop strategies for inclusive brownfields redevelopment. Recognizing the risk of gentrification and home and business displacement arising from brownfields redeve...

03/09/2022

Now hiring: LOCUS Policy Director - Smart Growth America

If you have knowledge, experience, and interest in land use and housing policy at a federal level, we're looking for you!

LOCUS is a Policy Director to lead the program's policy work. Learn more here: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/now-hiring-locus-policy-director/

LOCUS – a program of Smart Growth America (SGA) – is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual with deep knowledge, experience and interest in land use and housing policy at the federal level to help lead LOCUS’ policy work. This high profile position reports to the Vice President of L...

02/03/2022

Not only are recordings available from the Summit, we've created discussion guides to—as the name suggests—✨guide✨you through the conversations had.

Share with your colleagues and communities!

All of the resources can be found at smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit.

01/21/2022

What our staff heard at the 2022 Equity Summit - Smart Growth America

With a phenomenal lineup of speakers, panelists, and Smart Growth America staff, there were plenty of tidbits of knowledge to take away from the Equity Summit last week!

Here’s what a few of our own staff heard: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/what-our-staff-heard-at-the-2022-equity-summit/

Last week, Smart Growth America hosted our second annual Equity Summit, with each of the three days curated and led by one of our three teams: land use and development, transportation and thriving communities, and economic development. With a phenomenal lineup of speakers, panelists, and Smart Growt...

01/18/2022

Recapping MnDOT’s Artist-in-Residence Program - Smart Growth America

Join Smart Growth America’s Arts & Culture team and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for a review of the groundbreaking artist-in-residence program’s second year.

Hear from current Transportation Equity Fellow, Marcus Young, and DOT staff about lessons learned, navigating the pandemic, and goals accomplished during this innovative program.

Register here: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/mndot-air-recap-webinar/

  Join Smart Growth America’s Arts & Culture team and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for a review of the groundbreaking artist-in-residence program’s second year. Hear from current Transportation Equity Fellow, Marcus Young, and DOT staff about lessons learned, navigating th...

01/10/2022

Three things to know about our 2022 Equity Summit:

1. Our lineup of keynotes and panelists is phenomenal (no really, we're not just saying that)

2. Not only can you learn about strategies for advancing racial equity in smart growth, you can get AICP credit for it: https://www.planning.org/events/eventmulti/9227392/

3. It's not too late to register! Even if you can't make it to the Summit the day-of, registrants will receive access to recordings of the sessions. Get your ticket at smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit

01/06/2022

Register for the 2022 Equity Summit

Planners rejoice — you can get AICP credits for this year's summit! Up to 6.5 credits are available, including some that fulfill the equity requirement.

If you haven’t registered for the Summit, there’s still time: smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit

Smart Growth America is once again holding a three-day virtual summit in January 2022 to discuss how to center improving racial equity in smart growth work. With a roster of experts from around the country, we’ll be discussing a range of issues, spanning the universe of smart growth, including lan...

12/30/2021

You have until the clock strikes midnight tomorrow to get your tax-deductible donations into Smart Growth America before the tax year closes!

Support our work in the year ahead. Plus, donate $150 or more and get a free ticket to our Equity Summit kicking off in just 11 days on January 11, 2022.

Give at smartgrowthamerica.org/give

12/22/2021

SGA staff at home.

Smart Growth America's office will be closed from December 24 - January 2 returning on Monday, January 3.

While you may see a scheduled tweet or two, we'll be keeping quiet online and in emails as our staff takes time to rest and enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones.

Thank you for your continued support of creating a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient.

Support our work in 2022 at https://smartgrowthamerica.org/take-action/donate/

12/12/2021

The full lineup for the Equity Summit is here!

See everyone who will be at the Equity Summit—and get your ticket today—at smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit

12/11/2021

register.gotowebinar.com

The next, and final, session of Commonwealth Communities: Smart Growth Strategies for Our Emergent Future series will be next Wednesday!

The session will cover topics such as zoning reform, equitable zoning policies, and form-based codes. Register here: https://loom.ly/CSjqjZQ

12/10/2021

Mammoth infrastructure bill is notable for its powerful precedents and significant shortcomings - Smart Growth America

The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill is notable both for Congress’ most significant commitment yet to address climate change, and its general failure to do anything to fundamentally change the sources of the problem and reach the level of ambition required.

Read our take: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/mammoth-infrastructure-bill-is-notable-for-its-powerful-precedents-and-significant-shortcomings/

The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill awaiting the president’s signature is notable both for Congress’ most significant commitment yet to address climate change, and its general failure to do anything to fundamentally change the sources of the problem and reach the level of ambition required. Th...

12/09/2021

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: State of the Redevelopment Field. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Join the National Brownfields Coalition and Representative Dan Kildee from Michigan’s 5th Congressional District for an engaging discussion around the state of brownfield redevelopment, opportunities arising from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and other federal legislation.

Speakers will address bipartisan support for brownfield redevelopment and expectations on how billions in funding to assess and cleanup brownfields will impact communities and economic revitalization.

Historic federal legislation and funding through the Infrastructure Bill will leave its mark on the redevelopment field for decades to come. Join the National Brownfields Coalition and Representative Dan Kildee from Michigan’s 5th Congressional District for an engaging discussion around the state ...

12/01/2021

The last lineup for the 2022 Equity Summit just dropped!

See the full lineup (and register) for Day 3 with our economic development team at smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit

11/30/2021

In case you didn't see, it's

We envision a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient.

If you share that vision, you can show your support at http://smartgrowthamerica.org/give

11/23/2021

Take a thirty-minute break and listen in on a conversation between our newest board member Camille Manning-Broome and our very own Calvin Gladney.

Make sure to register here: smartgrowthamerica.org/chat-with-camille-manning-broome/

11/15/2021

Still want to get in on those early bird rates for the 2022 Equity Summit?

We just extended the deadline a few days until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24th!

Register at http://smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit

11/14/2021

Last chance for that early bird ticket to the 2022 Summit!

You can still get a ticket after tomorrow, but if you register today you'll get a nice discount. And why should you come? Experts and leaders in advancing racial equity will all be there—from academia and TikTok alike.

Learn who's coming and register at smartgrowthamerica.org/equity-summit