EPA Helps Community Sustainability Goals and Foster Economic Development in 22 Locations
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that 22 communities will receive technical assistance. They will pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability. Notably, these initiatives help advance Community Sustainability Goals at a local level. These strategies will also boost local economic development.
EPA selected this year’s recipients from 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. They also showcased a diverse range of innovative projects. These projects certainly aim to enhance sustainability and resilience in communities across the nation. Each recipient will also receive support to implement their proposed solutions. For instance, they will focus on improving energy efficiency. Additionally, their projects emphasise sustainability through fostering community engagement and infrastructure, which aligns with Sustainability Goals for each place. This approach will ultimately enhance quality of life and encourage environmental stewardship in their respective areas. Furthermore, these projects are designed with the community’s sustainability goals in mind, ensuring efforts remain relevant and impactful. In other words, strengthening Community Sustainability Goals is central to every proposed solution.
Many communities seek EPA’s help to plan their growth. They aim to protect the environment and assist those in need. Joel Beauvais, associate administrator for EPA’s Office of Policy, stated, “Our Building Blocks program offers technical expertise. We help communities overcome barriers to sustainable growth. Together, they can plan for a healthier, more vibrant future.”
Community Sustainability Goals Awardees
EPA selected the following communities, located in 18 states:
Asheville, N.C. shines. Austin, Texas excels. Baton Rouge, La. captivates. Canton, Miss. impresses. Cincinnati, Ohio boasts. Damariscotta, Maine charms. Danville, Ill. intrigues. Fresno, Calif. thrives. Marysville, Wash. stands out. Mobile, Ala. delights. Nederland, Colo. attracts. New Paltz, N.Y. enchants. Newburyport, Mass. offers. Passaic County, N.J. rises. Polk County, Iowa supports. Prichard, Ala. flourishes. Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wis. is unique. Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Calif. engages. Scituate, Mass. shines brightly. St. Petersburg, Fla. dazzles. Steamboat Springs, Colo. impresses further. Terre Haute, Ind. completes the list. These places are working toward Community Sustainability Goals to improve both their environment and economy.
Agency Tools
The agency offers five tools this year, all designed to help communities progress toward their Sustainability Goals. In fact, these tools are crafted with community sustainability goals as a foundation for planning.
- Bikeshare Planning
- Equitable Development
- Infill Development for Distressed Cities
- Sustainable Strategies for Small Cities and Rural Areas
- and Flood Resilience for Riverine and Coastal Communities.
Since 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program has helped 130 communities in 41 states. One of the main targets for these communities has been achieving their Community Sustainability Goals. As a result, community groups, local governments, and tribal governments have significantly boosted their capacity. These strategies also implement smart growth and sustainable approaches. They protect the environment. At the same time, they improve public health, create jobs, and certainly expand economic opportunities. Furthermore, these efforts prepare for climate change. Overall, they enhance quality of life.
EPA will conduct these workshops on community sustainable goals in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This is all through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Moreover, through this Partnership, EPA, HUD, and DOT not only work together to coordinate investments. That’s in housing, transportation, and also environmental protection. All to also ensure that they achieve better results for communities. Community Sustainability Goals are at the core of these collaborative efforts. Consequently, this collaboration allows them to use taxpayer money more efficiently.
More information on the Building Blocks program for Community Sustainability Goals
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities
