New House bill increases funding to infrastructure programs, prioritizes climate change mitigation

On June 3, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act. This act authorizes nearly $500 billion over five years to address some of the country’s most urgent infrastructure needs, as well as the economic crisis presented … Continued

LOCUS Uncategorized

House bill charts a course for updating country’s outdated transportation policy


The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (T&I) in the U.S. House released a draft proposal for long-term surface transportation policy today that would replace the existing FAST Act, which expires this year. The INVEST (Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation) in America Act takes a markedly different approach to transportation policy that would begin to put outcomes—instead of price tags—at the center of our decision making.

Transportation

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