Author: Eric Cova

Press release: The President’s budget will devastate communities, especially in smaller and rural communities

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Washington, DC (May 2)—Today, Smart Growth America responded to President Donald Trump’s discretionary budget request for FY 2026, which proposes deep cuts to programs including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Programs, and housing assistance programs—slashing vital housing and community development programs that serve millions of Americans. “President Trump’s budget proposal is … Continued

Land Use and Development

Press Release: Smart Growth America’s Calvin Gladney Stepping Down After Seven Years as President & CEO

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Smart Growth America’s Calvin Gladney Stepping Down After Seven Years as President & CEO Beth Osborne to step in as Interim CEO  Washington, D.C. (April 24) — Smart Growth America today announced that Calvin Gladney has notified the Board of Directors that he has decided to step down as President and CEO. Beth Osborne, Vice … Continued

our staff

Healing our Highways Report

In January 2024, Smart Growth America (SGA) launched the Healing Our Highways program with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kresge Foundation. Aimed at generating creative ideas and activities that build knowledge, connections, and power within communities most harmed by transportation systems and vulnerable to climate change, the program provided funding … Continued

Arts and Culture Technical assistance

2025 Equity Summit Keynote Speaker: Jerusalem Demsas

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We’re thrilled to announce Jerusalem Demsas, staff writer at The Atlantic and thought leader on housing, urban policy, and economic equity, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Equity Summit. Jerusalem is known for her ability to connect policy with real-world impact, and her writing deftly sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in creating … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity

Demand for walkable places remains high

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Over the weekend, the Washington Post published a story titled “Why so many Americans prefer sprawl to walkable neighborhoods.” If the headline doesn’t make you raise your eyebrow, then the author’s reasoning certainly will: Citing a recent survey from Pew, the article discusses why people may prefer sprawl (and the big houses and longer commutes … Continued

Land Use and Development Transportation

Equity Forum: Centering community to prevent displacement

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Join us on Thursday, December 12 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for our Equity Forum: Centering community to prevent displacement. The event will feature Sheila Somashekhar from the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, participants from SGA’s Community Connectors and Healing our Highways programs, and partners with ICF and Partnership for Southern Equity, who will present a new resource … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Events

Request for proposals: Community of practice design and facilitation

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Smart Growth America (SGA) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to provide program design and facilitation services in support of a community of practice focused on culture, design, engagement, and federally funded infrastructure projects from December 2024 to November 2025. Services include project design, planning, implementation, and community of practice facilitation services. The … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Arts and Culture

Smart Growth America launches the Center for Zoning Solutions

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Press Release     October 15 – Smart Growth America is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS), our initiative dedicated to promoting and implementing zoning reform that fosters healthier, more vibrant communities. CZS will build upon Smart Growth America’s 25 years of experience supporting communities to create people-oriented places … Continued

Land Use and Development
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