News

In this issue

• Please let us know if you want to co-release DOT Fiscal Report on June 1!
• Federal Policy Update – The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 has been introduced in the House of Representatives! Encourage your representatives to cosponsor it
• Tell us your stories about higher gas prices!
• Website launch for LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors
• 2011 Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy, September 26-28, 2011
• Registration for the June 2011 National Rural Assembly is now open
• Call for Papers: International Making Cities Livable Conference

Please let us know if you want to co-release DOT Fiscal Report on June 1!

As you know, Smart Growth America will be releasing a national report in partnership with Taxpayers for Common Sense focused on road repair and maintenance. The report will evaluate the conditions of states’ roads and provide suggestions on how state and federal policy makers can help DOTs spend taxpayer dollars effectively by prioritizing road repair and maintenance. The report release is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1, 2011. SGA is looking forward to working with state and local partners interested in rolling out the report. We will be producing a template press release, blog post , LTE and an internal FAQ for your use. Please contact Elisa ASAP or no later than Friday, May 20 with answers to the following questions if you are interested in co-releasing.

1. Would you like to release the report in your state? If so, who is the lead point person and contact info?
2. Would you like to do a press event?
3. What other support materials would be helpful, beyond what’s listed above?
4. How would you hope this report will plug into your current work?

Federal Policy Update – The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 has been introduced in the House of Representatives! Encourage your representatives to cosponsor it

The National Complete Streets Coalition is excited to announce H.R. 1780, The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Thanks to all of you who supported this effort. We are not done but want to take a moment to say thank you and congratulations and celebrate.

As an organization, please sign on to our letter to the Members of the House of Representatives encouraging them to cosponsor the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011.

Please help us spread the word by linking to our news release blog post and let your members and networks know that they can email their Members of Congress to request their support through our website.

Tell us your stories about higher gas prices!

Smart Growth America is looking for stories from people everywhere about what kind of tradeoffs have to be made in the face of higher gas prices. Have you changed your commute or how you run errands? Have you found a new way to get around? Click here to tell us your story. As the national average cost of a gallon of gas approaches $4, want to hear from people all over the country about how they’re coping with high gas prices. We will share the most interesting stories on our blog, facebook and twitter.

Website launch for LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors

Smart Growth America is pleased to announce the website launch for LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors. The website features information on LOCUS’ issue focus, policy agenda, advocacy strategy and publications by LOCUS President Chris Leinberger, as well as resources for developers and investors to learn more advancing smart growth principles within the private sector. For LOCUS members, the website also features an extensive membership directory. A link to the website can be found on Smart Growth America’s website under the For Developers tab or by simply going to www.smartgrowthamerica.org/locus.

2011 Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy, September 26-28, 2011

Save the Date! Solutions for Sustainable Communities: 2011 Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy is coming up September 26-28, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Mark your calendar to join colleagues from around the country for a timely conference exploring the full spectrum of innovative state and local housing policy solutions that may be useful in achieving more sustainable and inclusive communities.

Solutions for Sustainable Communities will be designed to be useful to both newcomers and experienced practitioners and policymakers by offering a comprehensive, highly interactive educational experience over the two-and-a-half day conference. The conference will include opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, mobile workshops, facilitated discussions, panel discussions, networking receptions and breakfasts, and plenary sessions. Learn more and register today.

Registration for the June 2011 National Rural Assembly is now open

In 2011, 10 rural leaders from across the country will offer their frank and forthright perspectives on a diverse set of topics including tribal enfranchisement, youth organizing, healthcare, transportation, rural philanthropy and community development, and environmental justice.

There are limited scholarship dollars available to help with travel and registration. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, you’ll need to do so before you can register for the 2011 Assembly. You can apply for scholarships online. For more info, visit the Assembly’s event website.

Call for Papers: International Making Cities Livable Conference

49th International Making Cities Livable Conference on Planning Healthy Communities for All; Portland, OR, May 20-24, 2012

Environmental factors significantly contribute to obesity, chronic physical ill health, social isolation, violence and crime. Evidence shows that the way we have built our cities has amplified these problems. This conference will examine the evidence, and focus on ways we can reshape the built environment to increase physical and social health and well-being. The conference will bring together 350-400 delegates – elected officials, practitioners and scholars in planning, public health, urban design, landscape architecture, transportation planning, pediatrics, human development, social sciences, land use development and architecture from around the world.

Those wishing to present papers on topics listed below should submit a 250 word abstract for blind peer review before June 15, 2011. Please submit abstract online.