This report by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), “focuses on smart growth strategies that can help guide growth in rural areas while protecting natural and working lands and preserving the rural character of existing communities.”
A report by EPA Smart Growth that explains, “commercial strip corridors are a common sight in American towns and cities, but many are experiencing disinvestment, resulting in vacant, abandoned, and underused properties such as abandoned gas stations and obsolete retail strip centers.” This publication, “provide[s] communities with guidance on how they can revitalize these commercial corridors to accommodate economic growth, reuse land already serviced by existing infrastructure, and reflect the unique character of the town or city where they are located.”
Reconnecting America, Enterprise and the National Housing Trust have released a collection of case studies, “examining what cities are doing to ensure that affordable housing isn’t lost as cities pursue transit-oriented development. Preserving Affordable Housing Near Transit: Case Studies from Atlanta, Denver, Seattle and Washington, D.C. describes ways metropolitan areas are addressing preservation challenges and opportunities, and identifies the strategies and tools communities can use to preserve affordable housing in transit-rich neighborhoods.”
This transit funding “cheat sheet” has bulleted descriptions and brief case studies for a variety of current and potential funding mechanisms for transit including sales taxes, gas taxes, vehicle fees and value capture.
Just before the holidays, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) settled two long-running ADA lawsuits, agreeing to spend $1.1 billion over the next 30 years to repair and improve state-controlled sidewalks, crosswalks and park-and-ride facilities.
A few weeks ago, we asked what you loved about your communities. As promised, we’re highlighting some of the best or most engaging answers – though not chosen through any rigorous process. There are plenty of really interesting comments about interesting places all over the country. If you haven’t done so, check out all the … Continued
An analysis of congressional data by the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups and Smart Growth America shows that stimulus funds spent on public transportation were a more effective job creator than stimulus funds spent on highways. In the 10 months since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed, investing in public transportation produced twice as many jobs as investing in roads.
In an economic crisis like the one we face today, it’s more important than ever that people know how smarter growth can save communities – and all of us – money. The federal government decides how billions get spent each year in ways that affect your community. Your support helps Smart Growth America serve as your voice in these national debates. Will you consider supporting Smart Growth America as we work to change federal policy and support the work of similar groups across the country?
Sacramento-area advocate Walt Seifert sent us his account of a workshop held in Citrus Heights, CA where residents discussed complete streets – it made us tingle!
Ten years ago, the Menomonee Valley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was dead land. Today, after many years of clever ideas, careful planning, and hard work, people are fishing in the Menomonee River again — which runs right through the heart of Milwaukee. Commuters and recreational bicyclists are using the new bike paths. There’s a soccer field and even a canoe launch. The land hasn’t merely been cleaned of environmental hazards. It’s been transformed into a place where people want to spend their leisure time.