House vote caps off eventful week for LOCUS’ tax reform efforts

Today, House Republicans successfully passed H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, in a 227-205 vote. Thirteen House Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the once-in-a-generation tax reform legislation. The bill includes major cuts to community development and affordable housing programs.

LOCUS

Amazing Place Ideas Forum: Gearing up for Greenville, SC

With part one of the forum in Denver, CO now in the rearview, Smart Growth America is getting ready for the second round of the Amazing Place Ideas Forum, happening November 14-16 with generous support from the Knight Foundation. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the sites and attractions we’ll tour in our host city, Greenville, SC. Read about the city’s 40-year effort to create one of America’s most beautiful main streets through historic preservation, brownfield redevelopment, and riverfront investment. The participating Amazing Place cities also weighed in with what they most look forward to learning about in the southern city, and the lessons they hope to bring back to their hometowns. 

Economic development

Watch the recorded webinar on financing for development projects that don’t pencil out

Thank you to everyone who joined LOCUS for a live discussion of Financing for Projects that Don’t Pencil Out on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Bob Stevens, principal for M&S Development, presented several creative financing techniques available to communities and economies hoping to fill project funding gaps.

LOCUS

Introducing Made in Place: Small-Scale Manufacturing and Neighborhood Revitalization

A new report from Smart Growth America and Recast City illustrates how encouraging more small-scale manufacturing in downtowns and neighborhood centers can help create a more resilient and inclusive small business environment, increase the accessibility of the local job market, and create a foothold for future growth.

Economic development

Made in Place: Small-Scale Manufacturing & Neighborhood Revitalization

Technological and economic changes have created new opportunities in small-scale manufacturing and the “maker” economy, which present a chance for communities to make progress on several important economic development issues. Small-scale manufacturing can grow local entrepreneurship and small business, develop or enhance new and existing economic sectors, and revitalize downtowns and business districts. Using tools … Continued

Economic development

Help protect America’s threatened community development and affordable housing programs


On Thursday, November 2nd, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady released the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a draft tax proposal which, if passed, would have a negative impact on community development and affordable housing.

LOCUS

Coming soon: a new report on small-scale manufacturing and neighborhood revitalization


Distilleries, jewelry makers, and 3D printers — what do they all have in common? Each is part of the emerging, national movement of small-scale manufacturing, and can contribute meaningfully to a community’s downtown economy. Made in Place: Small-Scale Manufacturing & Neighborhood Revitalization, a forthcoming report from Smart Growth America in partnership with Recast City, will explore this innovative industry and showcase best practices for downtown revitalization.

Economic development

State groups from across the country take the smart growth message to Capitol Hill

Smart Growth America and the Coalition for Smarter Growth, our local DC regional partner, welcomed thirty other state and regional smart growth organizations from around the country to Washington, DC this week for their annual meeting, including a day of meetings with their legislators to encourage them to pass smart federal policies to support their efforts to build strong communities.

Advocacy