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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting proposals for its Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program (SGIA).

The SGIA provides local and state governments with tools and strategies to incorporate smart growth into future development. EPA developed the program in response to many communities’ want to foster economic growth, address environmental needs, and enhance public health, all while planning for development. The program seeks to support communities’ interests in smart growth policies, create local examples of smart growth across the nation, and identify the barriers and opportunities in communities’ pursuit of smart growth development. The SGIA has benefited 31 local, regional, and state governments since its inception in 2005 in the Office of Sustainable Communities. Previous SGIA projects have focused on a broad range of sustainability issues, such as transit-oriented development, corridor planning, and stormwater management.

This year the program has four specific focuses:
1. Community Resilience to Disasters and Climate Change
2. Redevelopment for Job Creation
3. The Role of Manufactured and Modular Homes in Sustainable Neighborhood Design
4. Medical and Social Services Facilities Siting

Participating communities receive technical assistance in one of two areas. Policy analysis concentrates on addressing transportation, local and state, and school siting policies. Public participation focuses on visioning, design workshops, and development analyses. The EPA recognizes that each community faces a unique set of challenges, therefore assistance to tailored to fit the desires and needs of communities. Over approximately an 18-month process, communities will work to innovate and overcome barriers impeding their ideal future development.

Applications are due March 1st. All state and local governments are able to apply, as well as non-profits that have partnered with a government entity.

Find out more about the application process here.

Find a list of previous organizations involved in the SGIA program here.

image courtesy EPA Smart Growth