EPA, HUD, DOT and City of Atlanta to Mark Partnership for Sustainable Communities Third Anniversary

Press release:

Media Advisory
August 27, 2012

EPA, HUD, DOT and City of Atlanta to Mark Partnership for Sustainable Communities Third Anniversary

Contact Information:  Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov  or Jason McDonald, (404) 562-9203, mcdonald.jason@epa.gov

ATLANTA – On August 29, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming will join Mayor Kasim Reed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Administrator Dr. Yvette Taylor to celebrate the third anniversary of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (Partnership).  The Partnership is an interagency effort to help communities nationwide improve access to affordable housing, increase transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment and people’s health.
To celebrate the local accomplishments of this partnership initiated within the city of Atlanta, a program and workshop has been planned to share the Partnership’s successes and plans for the future. Stakeholders, that include neighborhood, non-profit and elected leaders, will share information on what has worked in southwest Atlanta.  Representatives from nearby communities will also discuss how Partnership projects are setting trends in their area.

Who:  Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Regional Administrator
 Kasim Reed, Mayor, City of Atlanta
 Ed Jennings, Jr., HUD Regional Administrator
Dr. Yvette Taylor, FTA Regional Administrator,

What:  Mark Partnership for Sustainable Communities Third Anniversary
When:  August 29, 2012
Where: Kroc Center
967 Dewey Street SW
Atlanta, GA

Since announcing the partnership, the agencies have dedicated more than $2.5 billion in assistance nationally to more than 200 communities in 48 states to help meet housing and transportation goals while simultaneously protecting the environment, promoting equitable development, and addressing the challenges of climate change. Of that funding, $238 million was focused on America’s rural communities.

For more information about the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, visit: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/.

Note:  A media availability will be held from 10:15 until 10:45 a.m. in the Kroc Center.

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EPA, HUD, and DOT Partner with States to Meet Growth, Development Goals

Press release:


EPA, HUD, and DOT Partner with States to Meet Growth, Development Goals
Release Date: 07/31/2012

Contact Information: Latisha Petteway (News Media Only), petteway.latisha@epa.gov, 202-564-3191, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today they will partner with the Governors’ Institute on Community Design to provide enhanced technical guidance to governors seeking to tackle housing, transportation, environmental, and health challenges facing their states.

The partnership, a part of the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, is designed for states seeking to spur economic growth and development while addressing these issues.

“The Governors’ Institute on Community Design helps states address local challenges in ways that are cheaper and more effective, making it an important part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to communities,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The EPA has been proud to be a part of the program since it was created in 2005. We look forward to working with our colleagues at HUD and DOT as well as Smart Growth America to continue supporting the Institute's workshops, and help states achieve their economic, environmental and public health goals."

“With this effort, our three agencies are providing the cutting-edge technical assistance states need to create healthier, more livable communities,” says HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Just as importantly, we are demonstrating once again that the key to more affordable housing, transportation and access to jobs is providing partnership at the federal level that supports innovation at the local level.”

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood adds, “By working with HUD and EPA over the last three years, we’ve made significant progress to help communities across the country become safer, healthier, and better connected.” “We’re excited to expand our collaboration by working directly with the Governors’ Institute to increase state transportation options.”

Established in 2005, the Governors’ Institute brings together leading practitioners and academics in government, design, development, and regional economics to help governors and their state executive teams make informed choices about growth and development in their states. At the request of a governor, the Governors’ Institute conducts a workshop that pairs the governor and his or her cabinet with planning experts to identify strategies that spur development and help communities achieve their economic, public health, and environmental goals. Governors also receive follow-up assistance on technical issues.

The Governors’ Institute is coordinated by Smart Growth America and is led by former Governor Parris N. Glendening of Maryland and former Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey. Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania; Chet Culver, former governor of Iowa; and James Lee Witt, former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serve as advisors. In June, EPA awarded Smart Growth America a five-year cooperative agreement to administer the institute. This funding builds upon support provided previously by the National Endowment for the Arts, which brought to the fore issues of community design and art in public places.

The partnership, which celebrated its third anniversary in June, works to provide communities with faster, more streamlined access to federal programs and resources, and works closely with other federal agencies, states, and local governments to ensure that partnership programs use federal resources as efficiently as possible.

More information on the Governors’ Institute: http://www.govinstitute.org

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

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News Release from EPA Region 2 - Smart Growth Assistance

EPA to Provide Three New Jersey Communities with

Smart Growth Assistance

Contact: John Martin (212) 637- 3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov

(New York, N.Y. – March 9, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Jersey City, Trenton, and Passaic County will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The assistance will be provided by EPA-funded private-sector experts, who will conduct workshops in each community. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among the EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

• The EPA will provide Jersey City with a "Walking Audit" workshop.  The workshop will identify the good and bad aspects of the city sidewalk system so that recommendations can be provided to help shape the city's policies, codes, priorities, and standards for sidewalks.
• The EPA will provide Trenton with a "Parking Audit" workshop.  The workshop will assist Trenton with managing parking supply and applying strategies for making the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses.
• Passaic County will receive assistance with a "Green Streets Strategy".  This workshop will lead Passaic County communities through actions to manage stormwater.

 Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. This year, the EPA selected 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Onslow County, NC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Onslow County, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Onslow County, NC will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Onslow County is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas.  This assistance offers solutions that the county can make to their zoning codes and planning documents to get development that protects their character and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Greensboro, NC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Greensboro, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Greensboro, NC will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Greensboro is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development.  This assistance will help the community understand the key principles and decisions at the location, site, and building levels that can result in a more sustainable plan or development proposal.
 
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Dunwoody, GA

From the EPA:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Dunwoody, GA is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Dunwoody, GA will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Dunwoody will use the Green Building Toolkit to assist in the identification and removal of barriers in the permitting processes for sustainable designs and green buildings.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Daytona Beach, FL

From the EPA:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Daytona Beach, FL is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Daytona Beach, FL will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Daytona Beach is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short and long-term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Wakulla County, FL

News release from EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Wakulla County, FL is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Wakulla County, FL will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Wakulla County is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas.  This assistance offers solutions that the county can make to their zoning codes and planning documents to get development that protects their character and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov