Using smart growth to make fiscally healthy places

Leaders of every community—big metropolis and small town alike—strive to foster economic growth and prosperity. Regardless of party or ideology, every elected official prefers the choice of lowering taxes or increasing services compared to the reverse. A growing economy and tax base make that easier to achieve, and so most local policies are intended to … Continued

Economic development

We want to see what your streets look like

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 Dangerous by Design coming out this summer, 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? Take a video or photo of the place you live or work and share it with us. 

Complete Streets

Host a class on form-based codes in your community!

Drum roll please…We are delighted to announce that the Form-Based Codes Institute’s (FBCI) highly popular classes are once again available to be hosted in-person! FBCI, a program of Smart Growth America, invites state and municipal government agencies, regional councils, and other land use and development organizations to host a class this summer or fall. Classes are designed to bring planning professionals and community leaders up to speed on the principles, key elements, adoption, and administration of form-based zoning codes.

Form-Based Codes

Arts and Transportation Rapid Response 2.0

In 2020, we chose five agencies to receive funding to address COVID-related transportation challenges and systemic inequities in unique, creative ways, with the support of local artists. But it was soon realized that with the effects of the pandemic continuing, there was more need for transportation solutions. Therefore, SGA launched a second round in 2021 with a new focus on transit agencies, as many faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID and sought out unique ways to emerge from the pandemic. To respond to these pandemic-related challenges, SGA and Forecast curated three artists to collaborate with agencies in Atlanta, GA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Quaboag Valley, MA. With projects on the ground and some results in hand, this report includes a detailed profile of each of the three projects, considers what was learned, and reflects on the incredible benefits of working with artists to address inequities and improve transportation for everyone.

Creative Placemaking Transportation

Get to know Minnesota Department of Transportation’s new artist-in-residence Sarah Petersen

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced that Sarah Petersen will serve as as the Sustainability and Public Health fellow, an artist-in-residence position at the agency, in a program created by Smart Growth America. Sarah will be taking a fresh look at MnDOT’s goals to promote economic vitality, improve safety, support multimodal transportation systems, and create healthier communities.

Creative Placemaking DOT Innovation

FHWA Complete Streets report lays out an actionable path for transforming street design to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries

After the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and USDOT issued a report to Congress this week about Complete Streets, Beth Osborne, Vice President of Transportation at Smart Growth America—the home of the National Complete Streets Coalition— issued a statement.

Complete Streets Transportation

Accessory dwelling units promoted as a strategy to increase affordable housing stock at White House event

The Biden administration hosted a virtual webinar on February 1st highlighting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as one way to increase affordable housing stock across the country. An esteemed group of fourteen thought leaders, advocates, and government officials from across the country convened to share their expertise and insights, advocate for ADUs, and discuss current barriers in many communities that hinder their development. 

Advocacy Form-Based Codes

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 Growth America staff, there were plenty of tidbits of knowledge to take away from the Summit. Here’s what a few of our own staff heard.

Advocacy Climate Change Economic development Transportation