Small Towns, Big Impact

Small towns can connect, innovate, and grow together

For the past 20 years, Smart Growth America has perhaps done more work in smaller towns and rural places than anywhere else, offering technical assistance, workshops with local partners, and policy implementation. Because of our track record of providing scores of smaller towns a roadmap for achieving economic vibrancy over the years, T-Mobile tapping Smart Growth America’s deep experience with planning and development in small communities as they roll out two new programs to build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities.

In 2021, T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant program made $25 million available through 2026 to support community development projects in towns nationwide. We worked with T-Mobile to provide technical support their investment in community-driven initiatives to ensure small towns can connect, innovate, and grow together. To learn more, visit www.t-mobile.com/hometowngrant.

Erwin, Tennessee

Erwin, Tennesee’s Unaka Bike Park helps capitalize on one of the town’s best assets: its outdoor recreation options. Smart Growth America partnered with T-Mobile to support the development of the new park, helping to attract new residents and businesses while creating a new recreation space for the town’s current residents. Read more >>

A rustic sign on the edge of a tree-covered mountainside announces the entrance to Unaka Bike Park

Atmore, Alabama

Smart Growth America partnered with T-Mobile to support Atmore, Alabama’s efforts to complete a Water Conservation and Butterfly Pollination Park. These efforts revitalized Atmore’s downtown, supported compact residential development, and helped preserve open land and green spaces. Read more >>

An aerial view of the garden in progress in Atmore, AL. You can see a pathway starting to form where green space will eventually flourish.

Bowling Green, KY

Smart Growth America partnered with T-Mobile to support Bowling Green’s Parklet Project, converting would-be parking space into appealing dining and retail space. Read more >> 

With construction of a parklet complete, a group of young people smiles triumphantly from atop the new space

Clarksville, Arkansas

Clarksville’s Levee Park Beautification Project, supported by T-Mobile funding and Smart Growth America technical assistance, activated underutilized space in the rural community’s downtown, attracting new development and creating a gathering space for locals and visitors alike. Read more >>

As the sun sets, Clarksville's Levee Park comes alive as people gather in front of a stage for an evening event.

Minden, Nevada

The Carson Valley Arts Council works to provide creative outlets and community gathering places in Minden, NV, and one of their most recent projects is the Copeland Community Arts Center, a site that could help host youth arts education programs, concerts, and festivals. Smart Growth America partnered with T-Mobile to help make this plan a reality. Read more >> 

Pineville, Missouri

A coffee shop in Pineville, MO is offering high school students an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about running a business and pocket scholarship money at the same time. Smart Growth America partnered with T-Mobile to help this learning lab grow, boosting the local and regional economy in the process. Read more >> 

Customers arrive at the cozy River Blend Coffee Shop, where students are ready and waiting to serve them