Smart Growth America

Come work with us at Smart Growth America! We are hiring a Senior Manager of Events and Development. Job description ➡ https://lnkd.in/e2EU-gkN Are you passionate about creating vibrant, equitable communities? Do you have a knack for organizing impactful events and driving successful fundraising campaigns? Apply today!

Join the Vision Zero Network and the Road to Zero Coalition for their Progress & Pitfalls: A Real Talk on Equity in Roadway Safety webinar on August 20th at 1 p.m. EST! Register here: https://lnkd.in/e6PMPRud In addition to showcasing promising developments, they'll discuss where we're falling short in addressing disparities. Don't miss this chance to engage with a distinguished panel of public health experts, transportation researchers, and advocates for racial justice, equity, and people-centered planning!

In its 17th year, the Form-Based Codes Award recognizes and highlights exemplary form-based codes that advance the practice of land use and urban planning, with a special focus this year on codes that advance equity in the built environment. ✨ Learn more and apply ➡ https://lnkd.in/ek4MFsUw We want to uplift form-based codes that create communities that are healthy, prosperous, and resilient for all. Learn more and submit or nominate a code today!

Join our Vice President of Land Use and Development, Katharine Burgess, for Maryland Department of Planning's Post Disaster Housing Resilience in Greater New Orleans webinar on Tuesday, August 27, at 1:00 p.m. EST. ⤵ https://lnkd.in/edV33Ng9 As part of a larger webinar series for #ClimateResilienceMonth, Katharine will join Carlos Martin and Claudia D. Solari, PhD to reflect on how the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has shaped housing and community resiliency in the Gulf Coast region. Learn more and register today!

Last month, we hosted the Smart Growth Network—a national coalition of smart growth-oriented organizations—for the Summer 2024 Quarterly Discussion. https://lnkd.in/eEMpXgV4 We talked about the impacts of #ExtremeHeat on communities nationwide, and how strategies like #SmartGrowth, urban forests, and community organizing are key in addressing extreme heat. We thank all those attended, and for those from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Union of Concerned Scientists, American Forests, and USDA Forest Service who provided great context and insights on these topics. Read more about the highlights and takeaways from our time together in this blog post from Joseph Mendonca.

Our latest research with Lincoln Institute of Land Policy reveals the untapped potential of urban public lands in boosting municipal finances. https://lnkd.in/e68bxTMZ Analysis conducted by SGA Director of Research, Michael Rodriguez, AICP, shows how strategic development could bolster economic development and create more vibrant communities. This study can aid planners in leveraging public assets to revitalize their communities and improve financial stability. Check it out!

Our 2024 #DangerousByDesign report revealed that Florida continues to see an increase in pedestrian fatalities year after year. https://lnkd.in/eB3aXjSh As the second most deadly state for pedestrians—and with eight of the top 20 most deadly metro areas in the nation—state legislators need to seek and implement policies that better protect all road users. 📽 This new video features advocates and residents describe the impact traffic violence has had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Special thanks to Subpixel Creative for their work on this project!

🏗 At Smart Growth America, we work with practitioners to advance equitable development and zoning policies in communities nationwide. In its 17th year, the Form-Based Codes Award recognizes and highlights the best form-based codes across the country. Learn more ➡ https://lnkd.in/ek4MFsUw 🏆 This year’s award will uplift form-based codes that create communities that are healthy, prosperous, and resilient for all, with a focus on codes that advance equity in the built environment. ✍ We encourage communities with both newly adopted and established codes showcasing smart growth elements and equity to submit applications. 🗓 The deadline is September, 11!

Brattleboro, VT is a small town that has found ways to incorporate smart growth strategies like #CompleteStreets, well-connected transit, and affordable housing in their community. https://lnkd.in/ep2ZMrCJ Often, there is misconception that #SmartGrowth strategies are better suited for urban places, not rural ones. In this new blog by DUSTIN ROBERTSON, he dispels some common rural myths and highlights reasons for why this town was named "the ‘Strongest Town’ of the year" in 2023.

We're thrilled to see that the Gulf Coast is one step closer to the return of passenger rail 👏 https://lnkd.in/ejDw4wPe “I applaud the City of Mobile for removing the final roadblock to the return of passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast. This victory will improve economic mobility, connect communities across the Deep South, and set an example for the expansion of passenger rail across the country.” John Robert Smith, Chair of Transportation for America said. Learn more in our recent press release.