HUD – DOT – EPA – Alphabet Soup Approaching Smart Growth Perfection
Alphabet Soup
A year ago the Obama administration secretaries of HUD, DOT and EPA collaborated to create the transformational partnership supporting sustainable communities, promoting development of urban environments and preservation of natural resources including habitats. The catalyst for this shift to more dense urban environments with a mix of uses and some measuere of affordability relies on investment in low income housing and in transportation, specifically high capacity transportation (transit) and modes that link transit to neighborhoods such as pedestrian and bicycle enhancements. While some states and planning organizations have developed policies and plans that promote “smart growth” (and reduce surburban sprawl), Federal policy in this direction is new and perhaps not perfect it is welcome. This policy brings new supportive funding and is our image of the month. (Reminds me of last months image!!) Smart Growth and the Triple Bottom Line.
HID DOT EPA partnership
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While not as nationally headline grabbing as health care or wall street reform this really has been a blessing for the smart growth movement. Great to see this administration understands that the federal government has a role in urban transformation and development.
THanks. I agree this has potential for bigger bang for the buck. Big question is how to measure and document.