Our work continues, in solidarity

We, the LOCUS National Steering Committee and Staff, issue the following statement: LOCUS is intensely focused on creating walkable urban places for all. Unfortunately, this country’s long-standing disparities and systemic racism have been on full display with the COVID-19 health crisis, the death of George Floyd, and many others, and now the widespread anger and … Continued

LOCUS

Progress & preservation in award winning zoning codes


Hartford, CT and Rancho Cucamonga, CA are the winners of the 2020 Richard H. Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award, presented by the Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America. Each year, the Driehaus Award recognizes communities that have adopted and implemented exemplary form-based zoning codes.

Uncategorized

Virtual engagement: A springboard for inclusive community planning


Although “business as usual” is not an option today for most local governments, many continue to move forward with important projects, finding new and innovative ways to engage the public in planning for smarter growth. The Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) is partnering with the National Charrette Institute (NCI) to host a webinar series featuring the tools, techniques, and equity implications of virtual community engagement.

Uncategorized

More than one million households without a car in rural America need better transit

Many people think the only Americans regularly relying on transit to reach jobs and services live in big cities. Yet the majority of counties with high rates of zero-car households are rural. In fact, more than one million households in predominantly rural counties do not have access to a vehicle. Rural Americans without cars face unique barriers and they deserve a tailored approach to their transit needs rather than just assuming they can or will drive everywhere.

Rural Development Transportation

Arts & Transportation Rapid Response FAQ

Smart Growth America is now accepting applications for the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response, a new opportunity for cities looking to creatively and quickly address pandemic-related transportation challenges. Interested jurisdictions may apply using the form below. We’ll be hosting a webinar about the opportunity and the application on Thursday, May 14 from 1:00 – 2:00pm ET.

Creative Placemaking

Webinar recap: Charrettes go virtual


Last week, we hosted “Charrettes go virtual: Missoula, Montana hosts an online charrette to advance a community vision,” a joint webinar between the Form-Based Codes Institute and the National Charrette Institute. Speakers discussed a first-of-a-kind fully virtual community engagement process conducted for the Mullan Area Master Plan. A recording is now available.

Uncategorized

We are all weathering the same storm, but in different boats


Although Giving Tuesday usually happens near Thanksgiving, today has been designated as a special #GivingTuesdayNow because of COVID-19. We urge you to continue supporting important local charities and relief efforts in your community. And for those of you who can, we ask you to consider also supporting our work, which we believe is truly more relevant and urgent than ever.

Uncategorized

Webinar recap: Complete Streets responses to COVID-19


This April, we hosted the latest installment of our monthly webinar series Complete Streets 301: Putting people first. We heard from leaders working across the globe to support community responses to COVID-19 through Complete Streets and other transportation initiatives. A recording of the webinar with closed captioning is now available.

Complete Streets