About Smart growth america
Smart Growth America: Building Sustainable and Equitable Communities
Smart Growth America is a non-profit organization that advocates for the development of sustainable and equitable communities across the United States. The organization was founded in 2000 with a mission to promote smart growth policies, which prioritize economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
The concept of smart growth is based on the idea that urban development should be planned in a way that maximizes economic opportunities while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society. This approach emphasizes compact, walkable neighborhoods with mixed-use zoning, public transportation options, and green spaces.
Smart Growth America works with policymakers at all levels of government to promote smart growth policies through research, advocacy, and technical assistance. The organization has helped communities across the country implement smart growth strategies that have led to more vibrant downtowns, reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and increased access to affordable housing.
One of Smart Growth America's key initiatives is its National Complete Streets Coalition. This program advocates for streets designed for all users - pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders - not just cars. Complete Streets policies ensure that transportation infrastructure investments are made equitably across all modes of travel.
Another important initiative is Smart Growth America's Transportation for America program. This program focuses on improving transportation systems by promoting sustainable funding mechanisms such as gas taxes or tolls; prioritizing maintenance over new construction; investing in public transit; supporting active transportation like biking or walking; reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT); and promoting equitable access to jobs and services.
In addition to these programs focused on policy change at the national level Smart Growth America also provides technical assistance directly to local governments through its Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI). FBCI helps communities develop zoning codes that prioritize walkability mixed-use development patterns while still allowing flexibility for developers who want to build projects within those guidelines.
Smart Growth America has been recognized as a leader in sustainable community development by organizations such as the American Planning Association (APA), which awarded it their National Planning Excellence Award in 2017. The APA cited Smart Growth America's work "to create livable places where people can thrive" as an example of how planning can make a positive impact on people's lives.
Overall Smart Growth America has been instrumental in advancing sustainable community development practices throughout the United States over its two decades existence. Its work has helped shape policy decisions at every level of government from local zoning codes up through federal infrastructure spending bills ensuring our cities towns are built sustainably equitably into future generations