About Us
Introducing Smart Growth America
At the heart of the American dream is the simple hope that each of us can live in a neighborhood that's healthy, prosperous, and resilient.
Our work helps make these dreams a reality.
Who we are
Smart Growth America is a non-profit organization that works hand in hand with decision-makers, innovative thinkers, and community advocates.
We advocate for people who want to live and work in great neighborhoods.
We believe smart growth solutions support thriving businesses and jobs, provide more options for how people get around, and make it more affordable to live near work and the grocery store. Our coalitions work with communities to fight sprawl and make economically sound investments.
Smart Growth America's approach empowers communities of all sizes to improve the quality of life for the people who already live there.
What is smart growth?
Smart growth is a holistic approach to community design through interdisciplinary land use and transportation strategies and development.
A smart growth approach utilizes three key principles:
- Concentrate housing, commercial, government services, and entertainment in existing communities.
- Connect all people to jobs and services through equitable and convenient transportation options.
- Dismantle discriminatory barriers to housing, transportation, and economic mobility.
What we do
We advance smart growth through:
Why it matters
Smart Growth America’s work is pivotal because it addresses the multi-faceted challenges of modern communities.
Our signature reports catalyze change by bringing a microscope to the root causes of our biggest challenges and pioneering research-backed solutions, influencing decision-makers and shaping the evolution of our cities and towns.
Programs and Coalitions
Arts & Culture
The Arts & Culture Program breathes creativity into the Smart Growth movement, sparking revolutionary change within and outside SGA and beyond.
The National Complete Streets Coalition is the go-to collective for human-centered urban design, making streets safe and accessible for everyone.
The Center for Zoning Solutions is reimagining zoning laws to make the dream community a reality, one code at a time.
LOCUS advocates for real estate policies that are as economically viable as they are socially responsible and environmentally sound.
The National Brownfields Coalition is leading the charge to transform Brownfields into viable community assets.
The State Smart Transportation Initiative is hitting the policy drawing board, brainstorming ways to make state transportation smarter, more effective, and future-proof.
T4A is a dynamic coalition that sees a future where transportation is more than just cars: it's an interconnected web that supports safety without compromise and serves everyone, everywhere.
Smart Growth Network
The Smart Growth Network is a national alliance of advocates, practitioners, policy makers, and local leaders working towards a shared vision for land use and infrastructure policies and actions that result in healthy, sustainable, equitable, and prosperous communities for all.
Smart Growth Roundtable
The Smart Growth Roundtable comprises leaders from state, regional, and local organizations across the country focused on pioneering smart growth strategies across metropolitan landscapes.
Livable places. Healthy people. Shared prosperity.
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