Memphis, TN Aerotropolis holds forum on new economic and redevelopment strategy

Memphis, Tennessee, a HUD Community Challenge grantee, held a forum last week to re-energize its regional economic and redevelopment strategy, which promises to generate over 1,500 new jobs with over $500 million worth of investment. 60 public, private, and non-profit groups are working together to bolster the regional job market, rehabilitate vacant and blighted housing, and improve transportation opportunities.

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Partnership in the News: Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar Project Kicks Off

The Arizona Daily Wildcat reported yesterday that the Sun Link streetcar project, which is funded by a Department of Transportation TIGER grant, formally broke ground yesterday in downtown Tucson. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild stated that Sun Link would benefit the city and create jobs by connecting businesses and the University of Arizona to downtown.

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Demand for TIGER grants shows national need for increased investment in infrastructure

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced yesterday that the demand for TIGER grants has yet again exceeded the available funding. Applications for TIGER 2012 grants totaled $10.2 billion, far more than the $500 million set aside for the program.The Department of Transportation received 703 applications from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C.

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Information on Federal Grant Opportunities

Looking for funding for a new project in your community? HUD, DOT, EPA and several other agencies have made available millions of dollars in funding to support the planning and implementation of projects that promote sustainable communities. Funding is available for a variety of uses, including community planning, affordable housing finance, technical assistance, research, and capital infrastructure investments.

To help you navigate the complex maze of opportunities, Reconnecting America has compiled a list of all upcoming programs and deadlines. Visit their federal grant page for more information.

For more on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, visit https://smartgrowthamerica.org/partnership.

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Partnership in the News: New Public Engagement Process Launched in Northeast Ohio

The Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium, a public initiative in Northeast Ohio that focuses on achieving a sustainable and resilient future for the region, is currently launching an extensive public engagement initiative that will take place over the next few months. Freshwater Cleveland reported recently that NEOSCC is beginning to create a sustainability plan for the region, and hopes to target key demographics like young professionals and urban planners for input on their strategic plan. The NEOSCC initiative is funded in large part by a $4.25 HUD Sustainable Communities Initiative grant from the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

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Upcoming Webinars: April 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012, 12:30- 1:00pm ET. Housing and Urban Development Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities: Broad Stakeholder Call. RSVP here by Monday, April 2nd at 10am.

Thursday, April 5, 2012, 1:30- 3:00pm ET. New Tools in Scenario Planning: Denver Region’s Metro Vision 2040 Update. Register here.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 3:00- 4:00pm ET. Creating a Unique Public Space: The Uptown Roundabout in Normal, Illinois. No registration required. More information.

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EPA Announces 2012 Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Recipients

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the 2012 recipients of the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) program. SGIA will provide technical assistance to five communities nationwide that request the EPA’s help in finding the best strategies for sustainable growth. As part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, the EPA will be working along with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2012 recipients are: the state of Vermont; Madison County, NY; San Francisco, CA; Spokane Tribe of Indians, WA; and Billings, MT.

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Still time to apply for EPA's 2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently accepting applications for its annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, due April 6th, 2012.

The award recognizes communities nationwide that have developed successful strategies for promoting and implementing sustainable practices in the economy, housing, transportation, and the environment.

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Partnership in the News: Agencies Participate in USDA Rural Roundtable Discussion

The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office recently held a roundtable discussion in Ogden, Iowa with local residents and representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency’s field offices. Bill Menner, the USDA Director of Rural Development for Iowa, described the roundtable in his blog on March 16th as, “A great opportunity to talk with rural residents, business owners, and leaders about the issues facing their communities – and the opportunities that exist.”

It was also an opportunity to speak with Steve Eggleston, HUD’s Iowa and Nebraska Field Office Director, and David Doyle, Sustainable Communities Coordinator for EPA Region 7; continuing the collaboration between USDA and Partnership agencies.

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Briefing Profiles Partnership for Sustainable Communities Grants

In a briefing at the Capitol, Wednesday morning, a panel comprised of three Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Planning Grant recipients recognized the benefits the grants are having in each respective community. The HUD initiative, as well as HUD’s Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, is a vital component of the interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Northern Maine, southern Florida, and the Memphis, Tennessee region have been able, with the help of grants, to address the unique needs of their community. Briefing facilitator Joe McKinney, Executive Director of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council in Asheville, NC, highlighted the economic focus and long-term benefits of the HUD initiative: “The guiding force behind our program is how these things [land use, housing, and transportation] contribute to economic prosperity.”

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