Advancing Racial Equity

Program launch: Zoning for Equitable Solutions and Thriving Communities technical assistance program

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The Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS) is excited to announce the launch of the Zoning for Equitable Solutions and Thriving Communities (ZEST) technical assistance program. This free program directly supports community-based organizations working to change health inequities by supporting them through capacity building to reform local land use rules, improve health in their communities, and … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Technical assistance Zoning

Celebrating progress: A closer look at our Community Connectors program

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Over the past year, our Community Connectors program has helped 15 teams from small and mid-sized cities advance locally driven projects to reconnect their communities that have been divided or harmed by transportation infrastructure. Our new video features some of the passionate planners, advocates, and city leaders leading these efforts. Hear from members of our … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Economic development Technical assistance

2025 Equity Summit Keynote Speaker: Jerusalem Demsas

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We’re thrilled to announce Jerusalem Demsas, staff writer at The Atlantic and thought leader on housing, urban policy, and economic equity, as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Equity Summit. Jerusalem is known for her ability to connect policy with real-world impact, and her writing deftly sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in creating … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity

Equity Forum: Centering community to prevent displacement

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Join us on Thursday, December 12 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for our Equity Forum: Centering community to prevent displacement. The event will feature Sheila Somashekhar from the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, participants from SGA’s Community Connectors and Healing our Highways programs, and partners with ICF and Partnership for Southern Equity, who will present a new resource … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Events

Our path forward from the 2024 elections

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As the dust from this election cycle settles, it is more apparent than ever that communities are facing increasingly severe and compounding challenges. Economic inequities and the financial pressures tied to the needs of daily life are squeezing communities of every shape, size, and geographic location—and housing and transportation costs are clear contributors to these burdens.

Advancing Racial Equity Climate Change Economic development Land Use and Development Rural Development Transportation

How to avoid displacement and four other lessons from our 15 Community Connectors

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Community Connectors is SGA’s program to help equip leaders in 15 small and mid-sized communities to repair the damage of divisive infrastructure. A few weeks ago, members from all 15 teams gathered in Washington DC to receive some extra technical assistance on two challenges that had emerged over the last 18 months of the program: … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Economic development Events Technical assistance

Request for proposals: Community of practice design and facilitation

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Smart Growth America (SGA) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to provide program design and facilitation services in support of a community of practice focused on culture, design, engagement, and federally funded infrastructure projects from December 2024 to November 2025. Services include project design, planning, implementation, and community of practice facilitation services. The … Continued

Advancing Racial Equity Arts and Culture