Demand for walkable places remains high

Over the weekend, the Washington Post published a story titled “Why so many Americans prefer sprawl to walkable neighborhoods.” If the headline doesn’t make you raise your eyebrow, then the author’s reasoning certainly will: Citing a recent survey from Pew, the article discusses why people may prefer sprawl (and the big houses and longer commutes … Continued

Land Use and Development Transportation

Smart Growth America joins YIMBY Caucus to tackle the housing crisis

On November 21, Smart Growth America and LOCUS joined a diverse coalition of nonprofit organizations to support bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives who launched the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) Caucus. Members of the YIMBY Caucus are brought together by their commitment to advance policies that address the housing access crisis. SGA … Continued

Advocacy Events Land Use and Development

Our path forward from the 2024 elections

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

A note from Toccarra Nicole Thomas on the new Center for Zoning Solutions

For decades, zoning has been used as a tool to segregate and exclude. It has contributed to some of the biggest problems that communities across America face today: people can’t afford to buy homes (let alone rent), there’s an over-reliance on single-family-only housing options, and our sprawling communities are harming people’s health and the environment—not … Continued

Land Use and Development Zoning

Smart Growth America launches the Center for Zoning Solutions

Press Release     October 15 – Smart Growth America is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS), our initiative dedicated to promoting and implementing zoning reform that fosters healthier, more vibrant communities. CZS will build upon Smart Growth America’s 25 years of experience supporting communities to create people-oriented places … Continued

Land Use and Development

Eliminating Zoning Barriers to Affordable Housing Guidebook

In response to the nation’s housing affordability crisis, many states, counties, and municipalities have enacted zoning reform to encourage and facilitate affordable housing choices. The Eliminating Zoning Barriers to Affordable Housing Guidebook provides practical and evidence-based solutions for practitioners seeking to address the housing supply and affordability crisis in their communities through zoning reform. Audience … Continued

Land Use and Development Zoning

Request for qualifications: Climate and Land Use Research, Communications & Advisory Support

Smart Growth America (SGA) is seeking a contractor to support the organization’s Climate and Land Use work including ongoing technical assistance and research projects. The contractor will contribute to key climate adaptation projects on a regular, part-time schedule over a 3-5 month period, writing communications materials, managing aspects of a new technical assistance program, and/or … Continued

Climate Change Land Use and Development