Author: Smart Growth America

Congress hears testimony on why TIFIA is so important, and how it can be improved

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On July 12, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a full committee hearing entitled, “The Use of TIFIA and Innovative Financing in Improving Infrastructure to Enhance Safety, Mobility, and Economic Opportunity.”

The hearing focused on the nation’s enormous need for infrastructure investment, and how Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans can help meet it. Christopher Coes, Vice President for Real Estate Policy and External Affairs, joined the hearing to testify.

Advocacy LOCUS

Acres of innovative manufacturing potential in Lowell, MA

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If you think manufacturing still needs to be exiled to large, polluting, isolated factories, think again. Many of today’s manufacturing spaces are small, clean, shared among multiple firms, and integrated with other land uses. And communities across the country are creating space for these businesses in downtown neighborhoods, and making them part of a place-based approach to economic development.

Small-scale producers and manufacturers can boost local economies by creating new jobs for workers with a wide range of skill sets. When these companies are located in a downtown, however, their economic impact multiplies. These businesses can bring life to vacant industrial properties or storefronts and catalyze broader neighborhood investment. They can also help attract visitors by fostering a community of creative producers.

Technical assistance

Join us for a crash course on federal TOD financing programs

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Many transit-oriented development projects are made possible with the help of financing from federal government programs. The details of those programs, however, are tougher to understand. What programs might your development project be eligible for? What time of year do applications open, and when are awards announced? And what do some of the most popular programs look for in applications?

Join us on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 1:00 PM EDT for a free webinar that will answer all these questions and more. “A crash course on federal TOD financing programs” will provide an overview of programs available through USDOT, HUD, and EPA to help municipal leaders, real estate developers, and transit agency staff create more development near transit stations.

Economic development Events LOCUS

Now hiring: Content Associate

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Communities across the country are creating vibrant downtowns, revitalized historic spaces, streets that are safe for walking and biking, and transportation systems that keep local economies running. Smart Growth America advocates for the policies that make these places possible.

We’re looking for a Content Associate to bring the stories of these places to our digital audiences. The Associate will be responsible for creating written and visual content that works on our website, in email blasts, and on social media. The portfolio will potentially include reports, blog posts, graphics, email blast language, technical memos, and social media assets on a rage of topics related to neighborhood development and transit-oriented development in particular. This is an opportunity to contribute to the voice of the organization, communicated directly with supporters, and gain valuable hands-on production experience.

Uncategorized

“Rethinking First & Last Mile: Transit-Driven Complete Streets” webinar recap

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On June 29 we hosted “Rethinking First & Last Mile: Transit-Driven Complete Streets”, the fifth installment in our monthly webinar series, Implementation & Equity 201: The Path Forward to Complete Streets. A recording of the webinar is now available above. You can also download the PDF of the presentation, or read the brief recap below.

Complete Streets

Register now for “Greening the Streetscape: Complete Streets & Stormwater Management”

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The National Complete Streets Coalition is excited to continue our monthly webinar series, designed to help professionals from a variety of disciplines put Complete Streets principles into action. Implementation & Equity 201: The Path Forward to Complete Streets is exploring a new issue each month related to creating safer, healthier, more equitable streets.

Our next webinar will be Greening the Streetscape: Complete Streets & Stormwater Management, taking place on Monday, July 10th from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT. Co-host NACTO will join the Coalition in answering questions such as: How can transportation projects be designed to benefit the environment, promote public health, and manage stormwater, all while creating vibrant, attractive, walkable places? And what innovative strategies are cities around the country using to make their streets safer and more resilient?

Complete Streets

A free assistance opportunity for innovative state DOTs

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DOTs across the country are looking for innovative and flexible ways to meet users’ needs in ways that cost less to build and maintain. Accelerating Practical Solutions is an opportunity for six state DOTs to win a one-day workshop with our expert transportation staff.

DOT Innovation

Everything you need to know about applying for our Safe Streets Academy

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Applications are currently open for the National Complete Streets Coalition’s Safe Streets Academy, a program designed to help jurisdictions transform their commitment to traffic safety into practice.

On Friday, June 23, we hosted a live Q&A webinar all about the Academy application process, and a recording of that event is now available in the video above.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets News – June 2017

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Apply now for the Safe Streets Academy— The National Complete Streets Coalition is excited to offer a new, free opportunity for technical assistance. The Safe Streets Academy will bring together engineers, planners, and related professionals from three jurisdictions for a year-long series of intensive, hands-on trainings on interventions to address traffic safety. Jurisdictions with populations of at least 100,000 are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, July 16. Join us for an informational webinar tomorrow, June 23 at 1:00 PM EDT for an overview of the Academy and a chance to ask questions.

Complete Streets
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