Land Use and Development

The National Brownfields Coalition testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment in support of EPA Brownfields programs

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On Tuesday, March 11th, the House Energy and Science 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

Advocacy Land Use and Development

Nearly 100 organizations show their support for the Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Reauthorization Act

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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

Advocacy Land Use and Development

Five takeaways from our Eliminating zoning barriers to healthy communities webinar

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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

Land Use and Development Zoning

Balancing growth: Preserving small-scale retail through neighborhood investment

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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

Economic development Land Use and Development Zoning

New resource: U.S. Climate and Land Use Planning Guide

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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

Climate Change Land Use and Development Uncategorized Zoning

Budget reconciliation: Smart growth implications

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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

Land Use and Development LOCUS

Care about climate? Take a look at your community’s zoning

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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

Climate Change Land Use and Development Zoning

Continuing the momentum: Driving local-level housing reform in Massachusetts communities

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Smart Growth America is proud to continue supporting local advocacy efforts for affordable housing and zoning reform with the launch of the 2025 Massachusetts Technical Assistance cohort. Generously funded by The Barr Foundation, this year’s program builds on the successes of SGA’s previous iteration of the MA TA program in 2022-2023 and the Opportunity Zones … Continued

Land Use and Development Technical assistance Zoning

New initiative: Eliminating zoning barriers to healthy communities

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Smart Growth America’s Center for Zoning Solutions is excited to announce a new initiative to support communities around the country to improve health equity through zoning reform led by the community. Generously funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this unique technical assistance program will provide community-based organizations with direct support to achieve the goals … Continued

Land Use and Development Technical assistance Zoning

Using zoning as a tool to advance equity in local planning

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On January 21, The Center for Zoning Solutions kicked off its new webinar series with a webinar on “Advancing Equity in Planning.” Participants had the opportunity to hear from the City of Kingston on its use of a form-based code to advance the city’s housing goals. Additionally, Elevated Chicago shared their plans for an equitable … Continued

Land Use and Development Zoning
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