Lead researcher and author: Dr. Michael Rodriguez With support from Kate Southerland, Katharine Burgess, and Eric Cova Opening up federal lands for development may sound like a promising fix for the housing crisis. But our analysis shows that very little of this land is located in places where new housing is needed most. Instead, strategies … Continued
Whenever hurricanes strike, wildfires rage, floods drown, or extreme heat swelters, they leave behind damage and destruction. Extreme weather events like these sometimes result in displacement, with people unable or unwilling to remain in their homes as climate disasters wreak havoc more frequently. But where can these climate-displaced people go? The nation is already experiencing … Continued
On Friday, March 14th, the Trump Administration released a new executive order calling for a reduction in personnel and operations at the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) to the bare minimum required by law. In the 30 years since the authorizing legislation was passed, CDFIs have become an essential pillar of community development … Continued
On Tuesday, March 11th, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment held a hearing focused on brownfields and economic revitalization in preparation for considering reauthorizing EPA’s brownfields programs. The National Brownfields Coalition was represented by Christa Stoneham, the CEO of the Houston Land Bank, who spoke about the value of EPA’s brownfields programs … Continued
The National Brownfields Coalition, with support from roughly 90 organizations, put together a letter in support of the reintroduction of the Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Reauthorization Act (H.R. 815). This bill, introduced by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) and Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH-10), will allow taxpayers to fully deduct the cleanup costs of contaminated property in … Continued
Last week, The Center for Zoning Solutions hosted a webinar that explored how eliminating zoning barriers can help to create healthier communities for all to live, work, and thrive. Participants heard from the Honorable John Robert Smith on his experience with smart growth and increasing residents quality of life during his time as mayor in … Continued
Today, local planners, policymakers, and community advocates across the country face the challenge of promoting economic development while ensuring that small-scale retailers—and the community culture they provide—continue to thrive. Drawing on examples from various cities—including insights from ICF in Redmond, Washington—we’re examining how gentrification offers an opportunity to preserve small-scale businesses and ensure equitable outcomes. … Continued
Smart Growth America is excited to announce the release of a new U.S. Climate Alliance resource to help states and territories advance climate mitigation and resilience goals through their land use policies. Climate and Land Use Planning: A Policy Guide for U.S. States and Territories, produced with support from Smart Growth America and Climate Resilience … Continued
The coming months represent a pivotal window for the future of many government programs as well as projects that rely on tax credits or federal grants. The outcome of ongoing Congressional discussions about the esoteric budget reconciliation process could shape our communities for the next several decades. LOCUS, Smart Growth America’s coalition of real estate … Continued
If communities want to seriously reduce their carbon emissions, they must reduce the amount of driving that people need (and want) to do. That means enacting zoning reform to allow for a range of housing units and typologies, incentivizing infill development, and updating excessive parking requirements. Critical emissions thresholds are already being crossed; To stave … Continued