We are excited to announce the addition of five esteemed members to the LOCUS Steering Committee. LOCUS, a program of Smart Growth America, is dedicated to promoting equitable and sustainable development practices across the United States through federal advocacy. With the inclusion of these accomplished professionals—who bring invaluable expertise and passion—we can continue our efforts … Continued
The way we design and manage our streets holds immense power in shaping our communities. Yet, all too often, we prioritize the movement of cars over the safety and well-being of people. It’s time to challenge this status quo and implement a transformative approach to transportation planning—one that centers around the principles of Complete Streets. … Continued
Smart Growth America is seeking a qualified artist, illustrator, or designer to produce a logo and collateral materials to launch a new initiative of SGA’s Form-Based Codes Institute program. Proposals should be sent to Toccarra Nicole Thomas, AICP, Director Land Use and Development and Executive Director of the Form-Based Codes Institute by Friday, March 1, … Continued
Heidi Simon has been the Director of Thriving Communities at SGA for a year and also leads our work with the National Complete Streets Coalition. In this Q&A, she reflects on her first year at SGA and what she’s looking forward to in 2024. Tell us about your background and how your experience led you … Continued
What is the Healing Our Highways grant program? Smart Growth America, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kresge Foundation, is launching our new grant program: Healing Our Highways. This initiative aims to generate creative ideas and activities that build knowledge, connections, and power within disadvantaged communities most harmed by transportation … Continued
Smart Growth America (SGA) is seeking an experienced videographer for consultant services for its Climate and Land Use Technical Assistance program. Such services will help SGA and its community-based partners produce two short videos to raise awareness of the risks associated with tropical storms, flooding, sea level rise, and erosion in Fort Pierce, Florida. SGA … Continued
Smart Growth America, in partnership with CityHealth, created a resource that takes a deep dive into all things Complete Streets. Whether you’re a planner, engineer, advocate, or new to the smart growth space, the Complete Streets story map can serve as an interactive tool that breaks down what makes a Complete Street and why they’re … Continued
The Equity Summit is more than a conference. It’s a time to connect movement leaders, identify key needs within the field, and build a community of mutual support and encouragement among practitioners who may be discouraged by resistance to meaningful progress. Here’s what you can expect. Over the course of our two-day program, participants will … Continued
Toccarra Nicole Thomas, AICP, joined Smart Growth America as the Director of Land Use and Development in June 2022. She is also the Executive Director at the Form-Based Codes Institute. We talked with her about her personal and professional values and experiences when it comes to racial equity in smart growth as well as her … Continued
Marian Liou has served as Director of Smart Growth America’s Arts & Culture Program for a full year. Under her leadership, the program has expanded in scope, all while maintaining a steady pace of new resources and initiatives—such as the Transportation Artists in Residence report and a new grant program, Healing our Highways. We sat down with her to discuss her thoughts on the program’s current trajectory, as well as her vision for its future.