Despite the demand for walkable urban places in New York, most real estate investment has been in the region’s core rather than in creating new walkable urban places or growing the region’s rail-served town centers. This represents a lost economic opportunity, and presents a real danger of a substantial affordable housing crisis if efforts to balance the region are not taken.
Yesterday President Trump released his blueprint for the next federal budget. The proposal would cut billions of dollars from domestic programs —including key programs that support economic growth in American communities.
Among its provisions Trump’s proposal would completely eliminate HUD’s Community Development Block Grants, USDOT’s TIGER program, and the National Endowment for the Arts. It would also make major cuts to the EPA and the Brownfields program; HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Choice Neighborhoods and the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program; as well as development programs at USDA.
This is a broadside against the things that make communities work. Trump’s budget jeopardizes people’s homes, their abilities to get to work, and local economies across the country. Without these federal programs communities will see rising demands on their services and fewer opportunities to grow their economies—and we are here to fight it.
Earlier today President Trump released his budget blueprint for fiscal year 2017-2018, which outlines increased military spending and cuts for many domestic programs—including key programs that support economic growth in American communities.
Notably the blueprint eliminates funding for HUD’s Community Development Block Grants, USDOT’s TIGER Grants, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and would make major cuts to the EPA; HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Choice Neighborhoods and the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program; as well as development programs at USDA.
Yesterday, the Senate voted to confirm Elaine Chao as the next Secretary of Transportation.
To Secretary Chao we say congratulations. America’s transportation system is a key part of our economy and our communities, and in your new position you have a unique and valuable opportunity to improve this country.
Chao already has experience running a federal agency, and has made clear that safety will be a priority for her time as transportation secretary. We think that’s fantastic—especially if she means making streets safer for people walking and biking.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has the ability and responsibility to address this epidemic. And tomorrow, January 11, Congress is scheduled to hold the confirmation hearing for Elaine Chao, Trump’s nominee for the next transportation secretary. That makes this week a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on pedestrian deaths.
This was a huge year for Smart Growth America. So big, in fact, that we wanted to share with you some of our highlights.
This election season was tumultuous and divisive. For me, as president of an organization working to improve Americans’ lives by building better communities, it has brought a mixture of uncertainty, alarm, and hope. First, the uncertainty. With regard to economic development, tax policy, housing, infrastructure, and other federal programs that affect communities, the policies of … Continued
Our short guide of federal policy recommendations provides the incoming administration with concrete steps to make the economy work for all Americans.
Election Day is right around the corner, and so are many polling places. The National Complete Streets Coalition wants to see your walk to cast your ballot on November 8. Will you be walking on safe and accessible streets, or will you have to navigate hazardous street designs like the one pictured here? People of all income levels should have … Continued
One of the biggest challenges for the incoming administration is making the economy work for low- and middle-income workers and households. This short guide of federal policy recommendations, organized into five main goals, is designed to help the next administration accomplish just that by: Creating more housing choices Connecting Americans to opportunity by providing more transportation … Continued