News

In This Issue

• SGA Monthly Coalition Call: Thursday, May 26 @ 4pm Eastern
• Federal Policy Update: Complete Streets, Partnership for Sustainable Communities and More
• New Partners for Smart Growth Conference – Call for Session Proposals is OPEN
• Funding Available: Community Transformation Grants
• Job Openings at ASCE, Rail~Volution, Greenbelt Alliance

SGA Monthly Coalition Call: Thursday, May 26 @ 4pm Eastern

The regular coalition call will be this Thursday on this conference line: 712-432-0111, 668783#. Topics will including a LOCUS update, federal policy updates and more.

Federal Policy Update

Complete Streets Legislation Introduced in the House

Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) introduced the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 on May 5th. The legislation is designed to ensure the safety and ease of access for all users of the transportation system by requiring accommodation of their needs during planning and development. If approved, it would direct all states to pass a law, and MPOs to approve an explicit statement of policy, that all transportation projects will comply with Complete Streets principles. To date, over 200 local jurisdictions and 23 states have adopted Complete Streets policies. It is expected that companion legislation will be introduced in the coming weeks in the Senate.

Partnership for Sustainable Communities

The House Appropriations Committee has started considering FY2012 appropriations bill and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) is scheduled for mark up on July 26th. Additionally, the Appropriations Committee released its proposed spending allocations for each of the twelve bill with the THUD bill targeted for one of the largest reductions. Smart Growth America will be advocating for programs important to advancing smart growth, in particular the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Specifically, SGA will be working to draw attention to the great work being done in communities across the country with funding through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Reauthorization of the surface transportation bill

Work is moving forward on the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have indicated their goal is to have a draft reauthorization bill completed by the mid June.

Report highlighting cost effective transportation solutions to address travel demand

Transportation for America, along with the Reason Foundation and Taxpayers for Common Sense, released a report “The Most for Our Money: Taxpayer Friendly Solutions for the Nation’s Transportation Challenges”. The report looks at cost effective transportation solutions to address travel demand, specifically, scenario planning, intelligent transportation solutions, improved connectivity, bus rapid transit, intercity bus travel, teleworking, and high occupancy toll lanes.

New Partners for Smart Growth Conference – Call for Session Proposals is OPEN

The Call for Session Proposals (CFSP) for the 11th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference has officially opened! The conference will be held February 2-4, 2012 in San Diego, California. The CFSP Submittal Instructions and online Form are now available on the conference web site. All proposals must be submitted online using the form available at the link below. This form should be used to submit any proposals for breakouts, workshops, lightening rounds, trainings, tours, or networking activities. The CFSP process is open from May 16 through June 30, 2011.

Funding Available: Community Transformation Grants

The Funding Opportunity Announcement has just gone out for the CDC’s Community Transformation Grants — this is a big chunk of the prevention funds from the health care bill. The program will fund policy change to create a healthier environment in 75 communities, with close to a billion dollars available. Complete Streets policy adoption and implementation are eligible activities (as is Safe Routes to School). The initial letters of intent are due June 6th. Please consider applying for this program (and partnering with Complete Streets in your applications).

Job Openings at ASCE, Rail~Volution, Greenbelt Alliance

Senior Manager – Infrastructure Initiatives; American Society of Civil Engineers

Responsibilities include: developing & directing program strategy & activities in regard to ASCE’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure and related infrastructure policy activities. Design infrastructure advocacy programs; draft/research policy statements, advocacy materials & other appropriate info for policy makers; and provide liaison services to assigned committees, and task forces. The successful candidate will have strong writing and speaking skills, project management and supervisory experience, a baccalaureate degree, and at least 5 years professional experience, especially addressing infrastructure policy issues. Please submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: Senior Manager, Infrastructure Initiatives Search, American Society of Civil Engineers, 101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Ste 375 East, Washington, DC 20001, govwash@asce.org, Fax 202-789-7859.

Executive Director, Rail~Volution

Rail-Volution is looking for a new executive director who will be charged with increasing the organization’s impact, sustainability, and relevance while at the same time assuring that the annual conference remains lively, compelling, and influential. We’re looking for candidates who have a strong interest in Rail~Volution’s agenda and values, understand the system-change nature of this work, and have a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience.  The successful candidate will be self-directed, resourceful, and results-driven and a creative and strategic thinker equally comfortable in leadership and hands-on management roles. For more information, see the position description .

Development Director, Greenbelt Alliance

Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area’s leading non-profit advocate of smart growth planning and open space conservation, is looking for a strategic, creative, and experienced fundraising professional to head our Development Department. The Development Director will devise, lead, and help implement a fundraising strategy to ensure Greenbelt Alliance continues to thrive and can grow to meet programmatic priorities. We offer a supportive and enriching work environment, competitive salary, good benefits, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the effort to ensure the Bay Area’s sustainability and quality of life for generations to come. For more information, see Greenbelt’s website.