partnership_accomplishments_report_508 .pdf

7/29/2019 partnership_accomplishments_report_508 .pdf

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Sustainable

Partnershipfor

Communities

THREE YEARS OF HELPING

COMMUNITIES ACHIEVE

THEIR VISIONS FOR GROWTH

AND PROSPERITY


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About the Partnership

On June 16, 2009, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretaryof Transportation Ray LaHood, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jacksonannounced that they were forming the interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Guided bysix Livability Principles (below), HUD, DOT, and EPA are coordinating investments and aligning policies tosupport communities that want to give Americans more housing choices, make transportation systems moreefficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, protect the environment, and support vibrant and healthy

neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Livability Principles

Provide more transportation choices

Promote equitable, affordable housing

Increase economic competitiveness

Support existing communities

Leverage federal investment

Value communities and neighborhoods

The Partnership for Sustainable Communities is about asking communities what theyneed from the federal government, and helping them bring all the stakeholders to

the table so they can realize their local visions for success. The $240 million in grantsHUD has provided over the past two years has leveraged $253 million in privateinvestment and commitments from local partners, ensuring that communities can planand target their resources with precision, create jobs, and speed economic growth.These kinds of tools show that the debate isnt about government thats big or small,but about government thats smart. As our local economies become increasinglyinterdependent, its clear these kinds of smart government tools are essential tocreating an economy built to last.

Secretary Shaun DonovanU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Through this Partnership with HUD and EPA, we are breaking down barriers tolocal innovation and coordination in communities across America. We are workinghard to ensure local leaders have the resources and tools they need to strengthenneighborhoods by connecting housing with affordable and sustainable transportationchoices. These projects mean jobs right now and an economy that will continue togrowthats what I call a win-win.

Secretary Ray LaHoodU.S. Department of Transportation

Bringing our agencies together around these shared goals opens up numerousopportunities to protect health and the environment at the same time werestrengthening communities and using resources more efficiently. By coordinatingtargeted federal investments in transportation infrastructure, clean water, and housing,we can give our communities the economic and environmental advantages they needto compete in the 21st century. This type of smart growth and smart investment canhelp American cities, suburbs, small towns, and rural areas become healthier andmore prosperous.

Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

AB

OUTTHE

PARTNER

SHIP


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PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 1

Introducon

Interagency collaboration through thePartnership for

Sustainable Communities uses taxpayer money more

efficiently and gets better results for communities. By

coordinating federal investments in infrastructure,

facilities, and services, the U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Departmentof Transportation (DOT), andU.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA)can meet multiple economic,

environmental, and community objectives with each

dollar spent.

Since 2009, HUD, DOT, and EPA have beencoordinating their work to help communities aroundthe country better meet their housing, transportation,and environmental goalslaying the groundwork foran economy that provides good jobs now and createsa strong foundation for long-term prosperity. This

report describes accomplishments of the Partnershipand the communities it serves on its third anniversary.

American communities face complex challengesas they try to strengthen their economies, meetchanging demand for housing and transportation,and protect the environment and public health. ThePartnership agencies recognized they could better helpcommunities by partnering to develop, implement, andshare successful approaches. Small towns, suburbs,cities, and entire regions are planning for sustainablecommunities, and many have asked the Partnershipto help them turn these plans into reality. Every regionhas different needs and resources, so communities aretaking different paths to becoming more economicallyand environmentally sustainable and ensuring thatall members of the community benefit from thoseimprovements. One of the Partnerships goals is to helpcommunities engage all residents in developing visionsand plans for future growth. This inclusive planningcatalyzes public and private investment and can speedimplementation of plans.

Since 2009, the Partnership has provided over $3.5billion in assistance to more than 700 communities.Partnership grant and technical assistance recipientsare located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia,and Puerto Rico. Demand for Partnership assistancefar outstrips available resources. As of April 2012,Partnership agencies received more than 7,700applications for assistance, requesting almost $102billion. The Partnership has been able to fund 744projects with approximately $3.51 billion. (See the

inside back cover for a map of Partnership grant andtechnical assistance recipients.)

One of the Partnerships primary goals is to better alignand coordinate HUD, DOT, and EPA assistance tocommunities across the country. The Partnership jointlydevelops programs and reviews grant applications,ensuring that grants and technical assistance build onearlier funding and meet multiple community goalswith each investment. Staff in the three agenciesregional offices around the country are replicating thenational Partnership to make it easier for communitiesto make connections across agencies.

WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE

COMMUNITIES?

In sustainable communies, people can live closer

to jobs or have easier access to more jobs in a

wider region thanks to public transit. Sustainable

communies include a variety of housing types near

workplaces, schools, parks, stores, and amenies,

making it convenient to walk, bike, take transit, or

drive short distances to daily desnaons.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE HUD

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

INITIATIVE

I N T R O D U C

T I O N

Over the last three years, HUD has awarded 152 grants

in 48 states as part of its Sustainable Communies

Iniave. The $240 million in federal investments has

leveraged almost $253 million in private investment

and commitments from local partners. From rural and

tribal communies in West Virginia, South Dakota, and

Washington to cies like Chicago, Seale, and Kansas

City, regions are working together to develop local

soluons to strengthen their economies and create jobs.

In 2010, HUD established a Preferred SustainabilityStatus to support implementaon of plans being

funded through its Regional Planning and Community

Challenge grants. Applicants with Preferred

Sustainability Status receive preference for funding in

other HUD grant programs.
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communitieshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communitieshttp://www.dot.gov/livability/http://www.dot.gov/livability/http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowthhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowthhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowthhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?mode=disppage&id=OSHC_PREF_SUST_STATUS_PGhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?mode=disppage&id=OSHC_PREF_SUST_STATUS_PGhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?mode=disppage&id=OSHC_PREF_SUST_STATUS_PGhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?mode=disppage&id=OSHC_PREF_SUST_STATUS_PGhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowthhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowthhttp://www.dot.gov/livability/http://www.dot.gov/livability/http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communitieshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communitieshttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/


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2 PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

In addition, the Partnership helps tribal, state, regional,and local governments by providing technicalassistance and giving communities better access toinformation, training, and peer-to-peer learning.

In 2011, for example, HUD and EPA created acapacity-building network to help grant and assistance

recipients exchange ideas on successful strategies,emerging tools, and public engagement plans. TheNational Sustainable Communities Learning Networkwas launched in March 2012 to facilitate peer-to-peerlearning among the recipients of HUD SustainableCommunities Regional Planning and CommunityChallenge Grants, EPA Brownfields Area-WidePlanning Grants, and technical assistance from EPAsOffice of Sustainable Communities. In February 2012,

HUD also launched a public, online SustainableCommunities Resource Center to provide informationon local and regional strategies for sustainable housingand planning. The Resource Center, which providesready access to innovative practices, cutting-edgeresearch, new reports, and other resources, is availableat www.huduser.org/portal/sustainability/home.html.

The Partnerships work includes helping urban,suburban, and rural communities share their successstories. The case studies that follow are models forcommunities that aim to be greener, healthier, moreeconomically competitive, and more affordable.For more case studies, please visit the Partnershipswebsite, www.sustainablecommunities.gov.

Examples of Compeve Grant and Technical Assistance Programs

Developed and Reviewed Jointly by the Partnership Agencies

Program Lead Agency Year

TIGER1 I Capital Grants DOT 2009

TIGER II Capital Grants DOT 2010

TIGER III Capital Grants DOT 2011

TIGER IV Capital Grants DOT 2012

FHWA2 Transportaon, Community, and System Preservaon Program DOT 2011-2012

FTA3 Bus Livability Program DOT 2010-2012

FTA Alternaves Analysis Planning Grants DOT 2010-2012

Smart Growth Implementaon Assistance EPA 2005-20124

Partnership Brownelds Pilots EPA 2010

Brownelds Area-Wide Planning Pilots EPA 2010

Greening Americas Capitals EPA 2010-2011

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communies EPA 2011-2012

Sustainable Communies Regional Planning Grants HUD 2010-2011

Choice Neighborhoods Implementaon Grants HUD 2010-2011

Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants HUD 2010-2011Community Challenge Grants HUD 2011

Community Challenge / TIGER II Planning Grants HUD, DOT 2010

1 TIGER stands or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery.

2 FHWA stands or Federal Highway Administration.

3 FTA stands or Federal Transit Administration.

4 The Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program became a Partnership program in 2009.
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/http://www.fta.dot.gov/12297_11820.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/12297_11820.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/12297_11820.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_7395.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/sustainable_communities_regional_planning_grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn/grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn/planninggrantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://www.dot.gov/tiger/docs/TIGER%202%20Planning%20Highlights.pdfhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/docs/TIGER%202%20Planning%20Highlights.pdfhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn/planninggrantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn/grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/sustainable_communities_regional_planning_grantshttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htmhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_7395.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/12297_11820.htmlhttp://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/


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B R

I D G E P O R

T C TAiming to Be New Englands

Greenest City

Located on the coast between New York Cityand Providence, Bridgeport was once a bustlingindustrial and shipping center. Over the past 50years, the city has been in decline; today, residents

suffer from higher-than-average rates of asthma dueto air pollution, and many lack easy access to freshfood, jobs, and public transportation.

Each Partnership agency had provided Bridgeportwith assistance before 2009. DOT funded majortransit upgrades, including Bridgeports IntermodalTransportation Center. EPA awarded grantsand technical assistance, including brownfields5assessment and cleanup grants, job training grants,and career training assistance. HUD providedfunding to promote affordable housing andcommunity development. However, this supportwas not well-coordinated and did not alwaysconsider the citys needs as a whole. That approachchanged in 2009 with the participation of thePartnership for Sustainable Communities.

The Power of Partnership

In 2009, our regional teams began meetingmonthly to talk about how we could bettercoordinate our assistance across New England,says EPA Regional Administrator Curt Spalding.Could a clean brownfield site in one location serveas a catalyst for a new transit center, for example?Could nearby affordable housing make it easierfor lower- income people to get to work, a healthclinic, or a full-service grocery store? Could a

section of a city designed to promote walkabilityreduce pollution and improve public health inan area suffering from high rates of asthma? ThePartnership makes it possible for us to look notjust at one project at a time, but at the cumulativeimpact of our federal support.

By combining funding and technical expertise,the three agencies are working together to helpBridgeport achieve its goals for sustainability. In2009, Bridgeport received an EPA EnvironmentalJustice Showcase Community Grant, which led tomany improvements in the distressed East End andEast Side neighborhoods, including a new fishingpier and renewed access for residents who had been

unable to get to the waterfront. In 2010, Bridgeportreceived $11 million in TIGER multimodaltransportation funding from DOT to build andupgrade roads around the East Sides Steel PointPeninsula to prepare for redevelopment.

Bridgeport is also a partner in the New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium,a large stakeholder group comprised of city, county,and regional representatives that received a 2010HUD Regional Planning Grant through the RegionalPlan Association (RPA). RPA is an independent

urban research and advocacy group that providesleadership and guidance on sustainability,infrastructure, and economic competitivenessissues in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticutmetropolitan region.

The Partnership for Sustainable Communies in

Bridgeport is an example of collaborave problem-

solving and unied government at its best. This

collaboraon has encouraged HUD, DOT, and EPA

to work together to focus resources not just on

transportaon, housing, orthe environment, but on

how to coordinate all three.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch

Steel Point will have pedestrian- and bike-riendly streets thatconnect neighborhoods to public transit, open the waterront to thepublic, and support commercial and residential development.Image courtesy o Br idgeport Landing Development LLC.

5 A brownfeldis a proper ty, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse o whichmight be complicated by the presence or potential presence o a hazardoussubstance, pollutant, or contaminant.
http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-showcase-r01.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-showcase-r01.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-showcase-r01.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-showcase-r01.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/


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As part of this grant, the consortium is studyingthe feasibility of opening Barnum Station, aproposed rail station in Bridgeports East End,on a cleaned-up brownfield. The city hopes thestation will anchor its East Side redevelopmentplan, leading to new business investment; mixed-use, transit-oriented development; and affordable

homes. As part of its extensive public outreachstrategy for implementing the HUD planninggrant, the consortium has held seven forums andtown halls, where an estimated 420 residentsand stakeholders heard about the progress of the

planning work and provided input. In January 2012,residents and stakeholders attended a town hallmeeting in Bridgeport to learn about the BarnumStation feasibility study and share ideas to enhancethe project.

The Partnerships efforts have helped further a

vision of the future of Bridgeport to become NewEnglands greenest city, said Bridgeport MayorBill Finch. By the federal government coordinatingresources and technical expertise, we have a chance ofrealizing a vision such as the Barnum Station project.

Since 2009, the Partnership for Sustainable Communies hasbeen working with other federal and local agencies to coordinate

grants and technical experse in southwest Atlanta to bring jobs,

help the housing market recover, and protect the environment.

For example, an EPA Environmental Workforce Development

Training Grant was awarded in 2012 to teach community

residents construcon and environmental cleanup skills. The

trainees will help rehabilitate foreclosed homes that the city of

Atlanta and the Annie E. Casey Foundaon have purchased with

a HUD Neighborhood Stabilizaon Program Grant. The East-

West Streetcar, to be built with funds from DOTs Federal Transit

Administraon (FTA) and the city of Atlanta, will give southwest

Atlanta residents easier access to jobs and amenies downtown.

Such coordinaon is unusual for government; its a great advance to see federal, state, and local agencies working to

achieve a beer outcome for families and children than they could have on their own, says Gail Hayes, director of the

Annie E. Casey Foundaons Atlanta Civic Site. She adds, Federal agencies joined with city departments to discuss how

we could use our resources eecvely to improve economic, social, and environmental condions in the southwest

neighborhoods. Because of this enhanced coordinaon in all three areas, EPA, HUD, and DOT were able to achieve

signicant progress for communies in need.

SPOTLIGHT ON ATLANTA, GA: COORDIN ATING FED ERAL ASSI STANCE

At public meetings, residents expressed their concernsabout exposure to contaminants rom brownfelds,excessive pollution rom nearby highways, and the lack o

jobs. Here, they comment on a proposed plan.Photo courtesy o the city o Atlanta.
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htmhttp://www.atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/atlanta-streetcarhttp://www.atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/atlanta-streetcarhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htmhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.html


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R A N S O N A N D C H A R L E S T O W N

W VTwo Cies Envision aSustainable Future Together

Ranson and Charles Town are fighting the effectsof manufacturing closures, as well as increasinggrowth pressures from the Baltimore-Washingtonmetropolitan area. In the past several years, Ranson

has lost more than 1,500 jobs as manufacturers shutdown, leaving the community with contaminated,vacant sites and a downtown in economic decline.At the same time, Jefferson Countys populationhas been growing steadily, but with few strategiesto guide the growth. Joining forces with federal andstate agencies, Ranson and Charles Town havedeveloped a plan for revitalization. The Partnershipfor Sustainable Communities has been a key playerin moving that plan forward.

The Power of PartnershipThe Partnership initially helped the two citiesimplement recommendations from EPA brownfieldsassessment grants awarded in 2001, 2004, and2006. These grants paved the way for AmericanPublic Universitys construction of an academiccenterthe first LEED-certified6 commercialbuilding in West Virginiaon a former brownfield.The university is also transforming a shutteredmanufacturing facility into a LEED- certified officebuilding.According to Ransons city manager,

Andy Blake, the universitys investment will attracthundreds of jobs.

If not for the work done through the brownfieldsgrants, we would have been forced to look outsidethe city limits for land parcels large enough toexpand our campus, says Wallace Boston,president and CEO of the American PublicUniversity System. Instead, we have been ableto compound our commitment to sustainabilityby reclaiming sites and reducing the impact to thesurrounding countryside.

To build on this momentum, Ranson and CharlesTown applied for and received an EPA BrownfieldsArea-Wide Planning Grant, aHUD CommunityChallenge Planning Grant, and a DOT TIGERII Planning Grant in 2010. With these funds, thetwo cities began envisioning a sustainable future.Coordination of the three grants allowed thecommunities to develop a cohesive plan that usesvacant, previously contaminated land for economic

development, linkstransportation toland use, protectsthe environment,and provides moreaffordable housing.

The city ofRanson receivedtechnical assistancethrough EPAsBuilding Blocksfor SustainableCommunitiesProgram tostrengthen andarticulate the plan.

EPA worked withelected officials,stakeholders, andthe public to identifyareas for growthand analyze existingcommunity tools.This assistance,provided in May 2011, resulted in a clear andspecific action plan that helped Ranson implementthe three grants ahead of schedule.

The plan centers on transforming Fairfax Boulevard,the main thoroughfare between the two cities.A green corridor will surround the boulevard,providing a walkable, bikeable connection betweenthe two cities that provides access to regional job

All the stars aligned transportaon, zoning, the

environment, workforce housing. The Partnership

allowed us to rene our plans into implementable

steps to create a sustainable community for

generaons to come.

Ranson City Manager Andy Blake

6 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifcation providesthird-party verifcation that a building, home, or community was designedand built using strategies to achieve high perormance in sustainable sitedevelopment, water savings, energy efciency, materials selection, and indoorenvironmental quality. From the U.S. Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org.

The Green Corridor will surroundFairax Boulevard, making it easieror people to walk or bike to jobs andcommunity acilities in both towns.Learn more atwww.ransonrenewed.com. Image courtesy o the city oRanson.
http://epa.gov/brownfields/assessment_grants.htmhttp://epa.gov/brownfields/assessment_grants.htmhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htmhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://www.dot.gov/tiger/http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/HUD-DOT_Community_Challenge_Grantshttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htmhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://epa.gov/brownfields/assessment_grants.htmhttp://epa.gov/brownfields/assessment_grants.htm


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centers and community facilities. Ranson andCharles Town are using the TIGER II grant, witha local match, to redesign the road to become acomplete street designed to be safe for drivers,bicyclists, and pedestrians. These funds will alsohelp transform a rundown historic building into aregional commuter center in downtown Charles

Town, providing residents and workers with accessto regional trains and buses.

In April 2012, Ransons city council unanimouslyapproved proposals to enact a new zoning codeand comprehensive plan, moving the communityone step closer to realizing its vision for growth.With the Community Challenge Grant and BuildingBlocks technical assistance, the city drafted new

zoning requirements to develop streets that aresafe and comfortable for pedestrians, bicyclists,and motorized vehicles; bring buildings closer tothe street; allow a mix of uses; and accommodateaffordable homes. With the Brownfields Area-WidePlanning Grant, the city created a downtown planthat will develop six cleaned-up brownfields and

spur the local economy. Ranson also plans to use aHUD Brownfields Economic Development InitiativeGrantand Section 108 loan to clean up a formerfoundry. The site will be redeveloped as PowhatanPlace, a mixed-use, LEED-certified developmentthat will include a variety of housing types, stores,and recreation areas, as well as green infrastructure7to manage stormwater runoff.

7 Green inrastructure strategies use vegetation, soils, and permeable pavementin settings like rain gardens, parking lots, and along streets to mimic naturalprocesses by capturing, slowing, and fltering rainall and stormwater runo.

Launched in 2011, the Building Blocks for Sustainable

Communies Program provides quick, targeted

technical assistance to communies. Selected

communies receive assistance from private-sector

and non-prot experts through workshops andengagement with decision-makers. These projects

smulate local discussions about growth and

development and provide ideas on how communies

can become more economically and environmentally

sustainable. The workshops use tools with a proven

track record and widespread applicaon, addressing

topics such as:

Complete streets

Green building

Linking land use to water quality

Matching parking supply and demand

Using smart growth to improve scal and

economic health

Making neighborhoods more walkable

EPA has developed new tools and delivered

assistance to 138 communies in 42 states. In some

cases, the workshops are part of a coordinated eort

EPA BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

to support the early stages of HUD regional planning

or community challenge grants. Other examples of

outcomes include:

In Lincoln, Nebraska, developed and adopted

policies for inll and redevelopment based on

energy conservaon specicaons that were

discussed at a Building Blocks workshop in

May 2011.

In Dover, New Hampshire, ve opons

emerging from the Building Blocks workshop

were incorporated into an update of zoning,

site review, and subdivision approval policies.

These changes include allowing solar, wind, and

geothermal energy in all zoning categories in the

city, as well as street and sidewalks upgrades tomake neighborhoods more walkable.

In Bluon, South Carolina, idened areas for

preservaon and areas for development. Based

on these priories, the city created a mechanism

by which development in the downtown helps

nance conservaon in areas the community

would like to preserve.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/BEDIhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/BEDIhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs/108http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructurehttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htmhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs/108http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/BEDIhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/BEDIhttp://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure


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M O N T G O M E R

Y A LPreserving History, Strengthening

Communies on the Civil Rights Trail

The 54-mile Selma to Montgomery NationalHistoric Trail, designated in 1996 by Congress,commemorates the 1965 Voting Rights March alongU.S. Highway 80. In the same year, DOT named the

route an All-American Road as part of the FederalHighway Administrations (FHWA) National ScenicByways Program. To receive an All-American Roaddesignation, a road must have one-of-a-kind featuresthat do not exist elsewhere and be considered adestination unto itself.

The trail begins in the small town of Selma, runsthrough forests and farms, and ends in the historicPeacock neighborhood in Montgomery, the statecapital. FHWA provides funds through its NationalScenic Byways Program and is a key player ininterpreting and protecting the historic route.Communities near the trail share a deep connectionto the march and want to preserve its history forfuture generations while reviving the strugglingneighborhoods surrounding the trail. That effort is astory of collaboration among federal, state, and localagencies and these communities.


Revitalization began with 18 brownfield siteassessments by EPA and the state of Alabama todetermine the best sites for revitalization in therural and underserved communities along the trail.Nine community visioning sessions supported byEPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the

National Park Service helped draft plans to connect

historic points of interest in preparation for the 50thanniversary of the march. Community outreachsessions conducted by the city of Montgomerywith HUD Community Development Block Grantfunds led to a collection of plans with strong localsupport in the city of Montgomery and more ruralcommunities.

EPA, FHWA, the National Park Service, and the cityof Montgomery worked with the state on a greeninfrastructure design to absorb stormwater, whichwill help prevent sewage overflows into Genetta

Stream in West Montgomery. Instead of maintainingunderground pipes, the city will daylight the buriedstream, bringing it back to the surface to improvedrainage. The city also built a greenway around thestream to create an attractive community park withan entrance to the trail.

HUD Community Development Block Grant fundshave been used for streetscape improvements,affordable homes for police and teachers, andrepairs to the historic Mount Zion Church, where themarch ended. The U.S. Department of Labors Job

Corps Program and the city of Montgomery trained90 young people in green building techniques tobuild community gardens and renovate homes inthe Peacock neighborhood. Department of EnergyWeatherization Assistance Program funds alsosupported this community revitalization effort. EPAsGreening Americas Capitals program providedtechnical assistance to help the city explore options torehabilitate a section of the trail under Interstates 65and 85.

When faced with the challenges of redevelopment,

the keys to success are a plan that has been composed

together with many stakeholders, and developing a

collaborave partnership including the public and

private sectors. I have no doubt in the successful

culminaon of the eorts to preserve the Selma

to Montgomery Naonal Historic Trail thanks to

the support of the Partnership for Sustainable

Communies and our other federal, state, and local

partners.

Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery

Je Downes, deputy mayor o Montgomery, and Stan Meiburg, EPARegion 4 deputy regional administrator, display West Montgomerycommunity plans or Mt. Zion Church, a historic landmark along thetrail. Photo courtesy o EPA.
http://byways.org/explore/byways/2050http://byways.org/explore/byways/2050http://www.nps.gov/semo/historyculture/index.htmhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programshttp://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspxhttp://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspxhttp://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.htmlhttp://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm#montgomeryhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm#montgomeryhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm#montgomeryhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm#montgomeryhttp://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.htmlhttp://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.htmlhttp://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspxhttp://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspxhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programshttp://www.nps.gov/semo/historyculture/index.htmhttp://byways.org/explore/byways/2050http://byways.org/explore/byways/2050


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Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange says of thetrail, Its fitting that this stretch of landthatdemonstrated to the world the great things that canbe accomplished when people unite to strive for acommon purposeis illustrating the dramatic resultsthat can happen when federal agencies combinetheir talents and resources with state and local

governments to transform areas of blight and neglectto places of natural beauty and sustainable viability.We are proud of what has been accomplished hereby working together.

Genetta Park, once an industrial area, will serve as a gateway to theSelma-Montgomery Trail. Bringing Genetta Stream, now buried, tothe surace will create a natural wetland to clean stormwater runobeore it is released downstream. Image courtesy o Judd Langham,2D Studio, Birmingham, AL.

IMPROVING FUNDING PROCESSES

The Partnership is constantly looking for opportunies to help communies get the funding they need and make sure

federal programs take community priories into account. FTA worked with HUD, EPA, and other stakeholders to improve

the New Starts Program, which provides funding for new rail, streetcar, bus rapid transit, and ferry systems. Proposed

changes could reduce the me needed to move projects through FTAs approval process by as much as six months.

In January 2012, FTA proposed a regulatory change to:

Evaluate projects using measures that assess a projects environmental benets and impact on economic development

as well as its impact on transportaon. This change will allow FTA to consider smaller projects that might beer meet a

communitys needs.

Simplify how cost-eecveness is calculated, reducing or eliminang me-consuming technical requirements that are

unnecessary.

Allow projects to be evaluated based more on local priories, such as meeng the needs of historically underserved

populaons.

FTA is reviewing comments on the proposal and aims to publish the nal rule later in 2012.

SUPPORT ING HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE, AND EQUITABLE

COMMUNITIES FOR ALL AMERICANS

HUD, DOT, and EPA are commied to building healthy, sustainable, and equitable communies for all Americans, including

minority, low-income, tribal, and other vulnerable populaons that experience higher levels of environmental polluon and

other social and economic burdens. The agencies work together to expand community access to funding opportunies,

increase transparency and meaningful parcipaon, and promote investment in historically underrepresented communies.

For example, when reviewing grant and technical assistance applicaons, the Partnership agencies screen for engagement

of populaons not tradionally involved in planning, such as low-income people, minories, people with limited English

prociency, youth, seniors, and persons with disabilies. HUD is working with its regional planning grantees to conduct

fair housing and equity analyses that will provide informaon on regional demographics; residents ability to nd jobs,

educaonal opportunies, and aordable places to live; and the fairness of planned investments.
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/12304.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/12304.html


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Restoring a Stream and a Community

The city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County areworking with the Partnership for SustainableCommunities and state and local agencies on arevitalization plan focused on what at first mightseem like an unlikely targetthe citys combined

sewer system. Built in 1906, the system is oftenoverwhelmed in wet weather, when untreatedstormwater mixes with wastewater in the combinedsystem and overflows into water bodies or backsup into homes. The city is investing in greeninfrastructure such as rain gardens, reforestation,and street and building upgrades to managestormwater. In doing so, it hopes not only to solvethe sewage overflow problem, but also to revitalizethe low-income community of South Fairmount.

As part of an innovative settlement with EPA,

the Metropolitan Sewer District of GreaterCincinnati is investigating integrated green andgray stormwater solutions instead of installinglarge drainage pipes (a typical gray solution).8Although both designs can reduce stormwaterrunoff, the green alternative is less expensive andmore attractive, and can produce more jobs. Animportant goal of the parties is the restoration ofLick Run, a stream in South Fairmount that wasburied as the area developed. The sewer districthopes to achieve required runoff reductions bydaylighting the stream and restoring the streamchannel. The sewer district will submit thisalternative approach for the combined sewersystem to EPA for approval. If the pilot shows that

combined sewer overflow control goals can be

met, Cincinnati will be able to proceed with theseinnovative projects.


The Partnership helped focus investment andagency collaboration. EPA helped the sewer districtexplore green infrastructure options and, becausethere is little data on the performance of largegreen infrastructure projects, is working with thecity to monitor pilot projects. The city used HUDNeighborhood Stabilization Program funds to

purchase properties and remove rundown buildings.The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authorityreceived a HUD Choice Neighborhoods PlanningGrant to develop a comprehensive neighborhoodtransformation plan for the English Woods/Fairmountcommunity. A HUD Community Challenge Grant isfunding an overhaul of Cincinnatis zoning code thatwill encourage a mix of land uses, affordable homes,and more compact development. In May 2012, 700city residents gathered to help develop a form-basedcode9 to restore the character of city neighborhoods.

The code changes also will remove zoning-relatedobstacles to watershed-friendly strategies, such asreducing impervious surfaces by changing parkingrequirements.

Cincinna is demonstrang that there are sustainable

soluons to challenges that tradionally would have

been managed only through gray infrastructure.

The iniave has resulted in rich engagement and

parcipaon from public and private agencies all

across the spectrum to ensure these projects leave a

successful legacy of sustainability and partnerships for

communies of the future. Together, were not only

addressing combined sewer overow issues but also

helping revitalize our communies.

Cincinna Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls

C

I N C I N N A T

I O H

8 Gray inrastructure includes conventional piped drainage and watertreatment systems.

9 Form-based codes are development regulations that control the physical ormo buildings and public spaces, unlike traditional zoning regulations, whichregulate uses.

Rain gardens at the HUD-owned St. Francis Senior Apartmentsreplaced excess pavement to reduce stormwater runo. Amonitoring station, pictured at r ight, measures runo levels.Photo courtesy o EPA.
http://www.epa.gov/landrevitalization/download/fs_green_infrastructure.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/landrevitalization/download/fs_green_infrastructure.pdfhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspghttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspghttp://www.cintimha.com/choice-neighborhoods.aspxhttp://www.cintimha.com/choice-neighborhoods.aspxhttp://www.cintimha.com/choice-neighborhoods.aspxhttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspghttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspghttp://www.epa.gov/landrevitalization/download/fs_green_infrastructure.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/landrevitalization/download/fs_green_infrastructure.pdf


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The Partnership is also supporting revitalization bypromoting development that uses transit investmentsto connect housing and job opportunities. Transit-oriented development is really about creatingwalkable, vibrant communities with a diversity ofpeople and opportunities, all in close proximity toeach other, says Charles Graves, director of city

planning and buildings.

The Cincinnati Streetcar project, for example,partially funded by a TIGER II grant from DOTand currently under construction, will add a newstreetcar line to improve access to major employers,the riverfront, and area attractions. Meanwhile, aHUD-funded demonstration project will lead to newpolicies that encourage affordable housing and small-business entrepreneurship along the streetcar line.

Greater Cincinnati Works does inrastructure work to prepare or theCincinnati Streetcar. Image courtesy o the city o Cincinnati.

SPOTLIGHT ON WYANDANCH, NY:

WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

The Partnership has been working with Wyandanch,

New York, in central Long Island, to implement a major

community revitalizaon iniave. The town aims to

transform its economically distressed downtown into a

transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, and environmentally

sustainable desnaon. As part of this revitalizaon eort,

the town received EPA Clean Water State Revolving Funds to

install a sanitary sewer system. The new sewer system is keyto the revitalizaon eort because Wyandanch lacked this

essenal infrastructure for the proposed redevelopment.

In addion to ongoing technical assistance from EPA, HUD,

and DOT, Wyandanch received funding from DOT to study

the feasibility of building a train staon and, later, for the

actual construcon. The revitalizaon eort will make the neighborhood more walkable, create connecons between bus

and rail, and make it easier for visitors to reach downtown parks and restaurants. The Partnership connues to work with

Wyandanch to support its vision for economic and environmental sustainability.

The vision or the Wyandanch downtown includes a mix ouses and housing types; a connected network o streets, civicspaces, and parks; and streets designed or pedestrians andvehicles. Image courtesy o Torti Gallas and Partners.
http://wyandanchrising.squarespace.com/http://wyandanchrising.squarespace.com/http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwsrf/cwsrf_index.cfmhttp://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwsrf/cwsrf_index.cfmhttp://wyandanchrising.squarespace.com/http://wyandanchrising.squarespace.com/


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Historic Preservaon and Green

Building Meet in New Transit Center

To prepare for new intercity train service slated tobegin in 2014, the city of Moline and MetroLINK, theregional transit provider, are working to transforman old warehouse into the Moline Multimodal

Station. The station will house Amtrak service thatwill reconnect the Quad Cities to Chicagoand,eventually, to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Omahaand should spark development opportunities indowntown Moline. The Moline station will include newconstruction as well as green renovation of the historicORourke Building on a brownfield site. The project isreceiving funding and expertise from the Partnershipfor Sustainable Communities, the Illinois Departmentof Transportation, and the city of Moline.

The multimodal station, which will include the trainstation and the adjacent existing bus station, will helpresidents and visitors travel more easily between theQuad Cities and Chicago and other destinations. Itwill contain Amtrak facilities on the ground level andprivate development on the upper floors. Completebuild-out of the station area will include $100 million inhousing, commercial office space, parking garages, andhotel space.


Providing federal funds for facilities like this one inMoline can reduce our dependence on oil, relievecongestion, and improve air quality, says ThereseMcMillan, deputy administrator of the FTA, whichadministers a DOT TIGER II grant that funds theproject. This facility will let people keep more of their

hard-earned money in their pocket instead of spendingit at the gas pump. Locating homes near the transitcenter also gives residents more options for commutingto work and running errands. To provide more

downtown housing options, a HUD NeighborhoodStabilization Grant is being used to rehabilitate thenearby historic Washington Square Apartments.

Because the building is in the Moline DowntownCommercial Historic District, redevelopment mustfollow historic preservation guidelines to receive atax credit. At the same time, the citys green buildingrequirements call for LEED Silver certification.These potentially conflicting requirements coulddeter developers unfamiliar with navigating such acomplex project. EPA worked closely with FTA, the

city, and MetroLINK to clear this hurdle. EPA providedassistance by developing case studies of successfulgreen preservation projects, offering templates forMoline to follow. The Delta Institute, an EPA grantee,provided a green building readiness evaluation, whichincluded a LEED certification strategy. MetroLINKand the city provided these materials to developersin a workshop that illustrated how to use historicpreservation guidelines and tax credits while achievingLEED certification. This support was instrumental inhelping FTA move the project forward without delays.

Construction on the project is expected to begin inAugust 2012.

If it werent for the Partnership, EPA would nothave been in a position to help us with our TIGER IIproject, says Heather Roberts, business developmentcoordinator for MetroLINK. We are committed toattaining a LEED Silver certification or better on ourproject. This goal was made so much easier because ofthe coordinated discussion between DOT and EPA.

Seventeen years working in government and this

was the rst me I had DOT, the Federal Highway

Administraon, the Federal Transit Administraon,

HUD, and EPA in the same room at the same me

talking about the same projects in a coordinated and

ecient way.

Heather Roberts, Business Development Coordinator,

MetroLINK M O L I N E I L

The proposed Quad Cities Amtrak Station will ease travel betweenthe Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendor, Iowa; and Rock Island,Moline, and East Moline, Illinois), Chicago, and other destinations.Image courtesy o Renew Moline.
http://www.renewmoline.com/AmtrakT.O.D..htmhttp://www.renewmoline.com/AmtrakT.O.D..htmhttp://www.renewmoline.com/AmtrakT.O.D..htmhttp://www.renewmoline.com/AmtrakT.O.D..htm


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DENVER,COCreang a Sustainable andInclusive Neighborhood

Based on the Denver regions plan for growth,which included transportation as a core element,the Denver Regional Transportation District(RTD) developed FasTracks, an ambitious transit

expansion plan. The FasTracks plan proposednine new or extended rail lines, more than 55new stations, bus rapid transit, and enhancementsto existing bus and rail service across the eight-county region. The business community, localgovernments, environmental groups, and otherssupported FasTracks as a way to make the Denverregion more livable, affordable, and economicallycompetitive. Investing in this new infrastructurewould attract jobs and support new businessgrowth, while the expanded transit would reduce

traffic congestion and pollution. In 2004, votersapproved a ballot measure to fund FasTracksthrough a regional sales tax.

FasTracks new transit corridors and stationspresent the Denver region with many opportunitiesfor transit-oriented developmentwalkableneighborhoods near transit stations that makeit easy for people to visit, live, or work nearbywithout having to drive. After FasTracks passed,local jurisdictions began planning transit-orienteddevelopment on land near both existing and

planned stations and formed partnerships withproperty owners, developers, and neighborhoodleaders. The La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhoodhosts one of many redevelopment efforts nowunderway.

The Power of PartnershipLa Alma/Lincoln Park, just south of downtown, isone of Denvers oldest neighborhoods. Locatednext to the 10th & Osage transit station, it hasa distinctive identity as a culturally diversecommunity with a long tradition of valuing the arts.The neighborhood is attractive for reinvestmentbecause of its proximity to transit, many nearbyamenities, and active involvement by residents.The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) owns anaging residential development near the station.

Next to both the DHA parcel and the transitstation were two undeveloped parcels withminor contamination. Seizing the opportunity totransform the vacant parcels and the DHA site, thecity and county of Denver, DHA, and RTD formeda partnership to create a new vision for what wouldbecome the Mariposa District.

To ensure that the character and quality of theMariposa development would fit the communitysneeds and values, more than 120 communitymeetings and group interviews were held with

residents, community leaders, city agencies,businesses, and local government representatives.Community members outlined their vision forthe redevelopment, which included buildings andservices that met the communitys needs, economicself-sufficiency, more jobs and job training, homesaffordable to people at various income levels,safety and security, more education opportunities,enhancing residents health, and fostering a strongsense of community. The result of this intensive

The Partnership provided excitement around the

issue of collaborave planning across disciplines.

Without it, we wouldnt have been able to

aract decision-makers to the table in the areas

where we had gaps to ll (energy, stormwater,

and transportaon). With the decision-makers

parcipang in the visioning and implementaon

exercises, we were able to actually take the plans

and make them a reality. This is, I believe, due to the

Partnerships oversight.

Kimball Crangle, Senior Developer,

Denver Housing Authority

The Tapiz Apartments are a HUD-owned senior housing complex inLa Alma/Lincoln Park. The building eatures a mural by a local artist.Photo courtesy o EPA.
http://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.denverhousing.org/development/SouthLincoln/Pages/default.aspx


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community engagement was a master plan thatwould guide the redevelopment by looking atthe neighborhood as a whole, rather than parcelby parcel. Based on this vision, the parcels werepurchased by the city and county of Denver fromthe Regional Transportation District in 2007 andthen assessed and cleaned up with funding from

EPA brownfield grants to the city.

State and local officials asked the Partnership forSustainable Communities to support their plans. In2009, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, HUD SecretaryShaun Donovan, and EPA Administrator LisaJacksonvisited to kick off the work.

The Mariposa redevelopment shows how thethree agencies are working together and with

the community. Funding from the EPA Officeof Brownfields and Land Revitalization and

HUD funding from the American Recovery andReinvestment Act helped make construction of

the 100-unit Tapiz Apartments possible, providing

affordable homes for seniors and disabled people.The redevelopment project was a Sustainable

Communities Brownfields Pilot, under whichthe Partnership organized three workshops that

brought together community representatives,residents of DHA housing, city agencies, EPA,

SPOTLIGHT ON CALIFORNIA: PLANNING FOR DEVELOPMENT

AROUND HIGH-SPEED RAIL

The California High-Speed Rail project oers an opportunity

to create cleaner, cost-eecve transportaon opons and

development paerns. In 2011, EPA, HUD, FTA, the Federal

Railroad Administraon (FRA), and the California High-Speed

Rail Authority (CHSRA) signed an agreement to work together

to use environmentally sustainable pracces in planning,

sing, designing, construcng, operang, and maintaining

the high-speed rail system. Many tasks are underway. For

example, CHSRA and FRA are invesng grant money in staon-

area planning in several cies, and Partnership agencies are

helping coordinate new and exisng federal, state, and local

investments. Partnership agencies also regularly collaborate

with the high-speed rail project team to provide technical

assistance on planning, energy, water resources, materials,

and policy and use their networks to bring in other experts as

needed. For example, the Partnership engaged the Naonal

Renewable Energy Laboratory, which helped the team create

a strategic energy plan for powering the rail system with 100

percent renewable energy.

The proposed 800-mile system would connect major cies

with up to 26 staons. Fresno is slated to have the rst staon.

Good planning will be essenal to making the staon an asset

for the city. Well-planned rail staons can aract vibrant, walkable development with diverse housing, transportaon, and

economic opportunies. The Partnership is working with the Fresno Strong Cies, Strong Communies team to provide

technical assistance on the staon-area planning. Strong Cies, Strong Communies is a White House iniave to strengthen

local capacity and spark economic growth in communies while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and eecvely.

EPA, DOT, and HUD regional sta parcipated in a Strong Cies, Strong Communies-led workshop to begin planning the

staon area. They also provided input on the citys proposal for staon-area planning and are working with the Strong Cies,

Strong Communies team and the city of Fresno to coordinate federal investments in the staon area.

The High-Speed Rail project would beneft Fresnosdowntown redevelopment and provide ast transit options toother Caliornia cities. The 255-mile trip rom Fresno to LosAngeles, or example, would take 1 hour and 24 minutes.Image courtesy o the Caliornia High-Speed Rail Authority.
http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/09/livability-tour-sees-the-future-in-chicago-dubuque-denver.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/http://www.fresno.gov/Government/MayorsOffice/strong.htmhttp://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/07/11/announcing-strong-cities-strong-communitieshttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/partnership.htmhttp://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/09/livability-tour-sees-the-future-in-chicago-dubuque-denver.htmlhttp://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/07/11/announcing-strong-cities-strong-communitieshttp://www.fresno.gov/Government/MayorsOffice/strong.htmhttp://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/


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HUD, and DOT to develop more detailedimplementation plans around specific issueslike transportation, energy efficiency, and greeninfrastructure. A 2011 HUD HOPE VI granthelped fund further implementation activities,including an environmentally friendly andhealth-conscious design for Mariposa. New

construction will use 50 percent less energy thancomparable conventional buildings, and Mariposawill incorporate green infrastructure to handlestormwater. Mixed-income housing, a healthyliving environment, and transportation choicesare essential ingredients of sustainability. TheMariposa community has all of these elementsand is a great example of how housing policiescan improve communities, says HUD RegionalAdministrator Rick Garcia.

DOT funds helped make the 10th & Osage

station more accessible for people with disabilitiesand increased the frequency of train service,better connecting La Alma/Lincoln Park to otherparts of Denver. The Mariposa redevelopmentcan be a model for transit-oriented developmentaround the new stations built under FasTracks.When complete, Mariposa will feature betteraccess to a range of transportation choices andwill replace old, dilapidated public housingwith more than 800 units of mixed-incomehousing, maintaining the same number ofaffordable units on the site and creating newhomes at a variety of price points. The extensivecommunity involvement has helped ensure thatthe neighborhood will preserve its character andsense of place while creating opportunities tobring in new residents and businesses.

Creating Livable

CommunitiesHow the transportation decision

making process can support more

livable community outcomes

Federal Highway Administration

October 2011

EXPLORING THE ROLE

OF TRANSPORTATION IN

LIVABILITY

In 2011, FHWA conducted several regional

livability workshops around the country to exploretransportaons role in improving quality of life. The

meengs brought together leaders from metropolitan

planning organizaons, transportaon agencies,

city and county governments, public and private

developers, nonprot organizaons, housing agencies,

environmental and resource preservaon agencies,

and others. FHWA developed resources to explain

transportaons role in enhancing quality of life,

including videos with local leaders and a booklet

called Creang Livable Communies that provides

strategies for considering livability objecves in

transportaon investment decisions. These and other

resources are available at www.fwa.dot.gov/livability.

Creating LivableCommunities (availableatwww.hwa.dot.gov/livability/creating_livable_communities/livabilitybooklet.pd) providesstrategies on how toeectively considerand incorporate

livability objectivesin transportationinvestment decisions.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/hope6http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/hope6


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W E L L P I N I

T W ATransportaon Opons andCommunity Planning Lead to New

Economic Opportunies

Since the creation of its reservation in 1881, theSpokane Tribe of Indians has been seeking to achieveits vision of sovereignty through self-sufficiency.With a growing population but declining revenues,the tribe struggles with high poverty levels, limitedemployment opportunities, few transportation choices,and a lack of both infrastructure and housing. Theseinterrelated challenges require innovative solutions andcomprehensive, integrated planning.

To address these challenges, the tribe partnered withNative American nonprofit Antithesis Research and thePartnership for Sustainable Communities to improveenvironmental and economic conditions. Through a2010 HUD Community Challenge Grant, the SpokaneTribe is bringing together community, government,and business leaders to prepare a community masterplan to assess the tribes needs and create integratedsolutions for housing, transportation, infrastructure, andeconomic development.


With a 47 percent unemployment rate on thereservation, the tribe is focused on supportingeconomic development and helping residents getbetter access to jobs. One strategy is to improve

transportation choices; in 2008, the tribe completeda feasibility study that determined that lack oftransportation options was the major reason forlong-term unemployment. The study crystallizedthe problem and put in motion other requestsfor assistance. In 2009, the tribe received an FTATribal Transit Planning Grantto complete a transitdevelopment plan.

The reservation is 45 miles from Spokane, andthere are no transit systems that connect, saysChamisa Radford, the tribes planning and economicdevelopment director. If you dont have a car or yourcar breaks down, you lose your job. With funds fromthe FTA Tribal Transit Program, the state, and the

tribes fuel taxes, the tribe now operates two bus routesand a vanpool service dubbed the Moccasin Express.The tribe is working to locate transit centers nearhomes and conduct a marketing campaign to increaseridership. Today, the Moccasin Express and two busroutes provide reliable transportation for more than1,000 riders a month.

Working with the Partnership, the tribe has identifiedadditional community needs, such as addressing thereservations aging water infrastructure. The tribe isreceiving technical assistance in 2012 through EPAs

Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Programto plan for and address water shortages, pipe failures,and sewer system maintenance. Improving the waterinfrastructure will give the reservation safer, morereliable water and sewer service, which will enhancethe quality of life for residents and support thedevelopment of new tribal business enterprises.

Previously, the tribe had to work with individualdepartments completely separate from each other,says Scott Radford, vice chair of Antithesis Research.There was duplication of work, or the work was not

as comprehensive as it could have been. Now, water,transportation, and housing issues are being addressedtogether at one time.

The Partnership has also helped inspire collaborationwithin the tribe, says Chamisa Radford. We actuallyhave grant writers from different departments meetingtogether for the first time, so we can be more strategicabout which resources to apply for and how to have asingle project meet multiple needs. We are learning anew system, and I see great benefits.

The sustainability project has brought a wide variety

of folks from dierent walks of life to the same table

to discuss and lay the foundaon for sustainability

acons for the future.

Rudy Peone, Secretary-Elect,

Spokane Tribal Business Council

The Moccasin Express provides residents reliable transportationto jobs and amenities. Photo courtesy o the Spokane Tribeo Indians.
http://antithesisresearch.blogspot.com/http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_3553.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_3553.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia_communities.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia_communities.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia_communities.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia_communities.htmhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_3553.htmlhttp://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094_3553.htmlhttp://antithesisresearch.blogspot.com/


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The Road Ahead

As the Partnership enters its fourth year, HUD, DOT,and EPA continue to collaborate with each other andwith other federal, tribal, state, regional, and localpartners to consider housing, transportation, andenvironmental policy as they exist in the real world

inextricably connected. When agencies talk regularly,they can help communities solve problems moreeasilyand avoid the problems that come fromlack of coordination. Community members, politicalleaders, and government staff across the countryhave made it clear that interagency collaborationhas greatly improved communication, makinggovernment more efficient and providing betterresults for communities. The Partnership will continueto share models of local successes, coordinate tomake government work better, and help communitiesfind innovative solutions to the challenges they face

now and in the future.

Learn More

Find the latest information on the activities of thePartnership for Sustainable Communities atwww.sustainablecommunities.gov. The site features:

Announcements about grants and technicalassistance from each agency.

Tools, publications, and other resources.

A map of grant and technical assistancerecipients.

Community case studies, fact sheets, andvideos.

Contact information for staff in regional offices.

SUPPORTING SMALL TOWNS

AND RURAL AREAS

The Partnership has joined with the U.S. Department

of Agriculture (USDA) to explore opportunies to help

small towns and rural areas plan for long-term growth.

The agencies are invesng funds more eecvely by

sharing informaon and coordinang acons.

For example:

In western North Dakota, a 2010USDA Rural

Business Opportunity Grant helped the region

idenfy the impacts of a populaon increase

resulng from the oil and gas industry that is

overwhelming exisng housing and infrastructure.

The community was able to use that work to

develop a long-term strategy to guide future

infrastructure investments through a HUD

Sustainable Communies Regional Planning Grant.

In southwest Iowa, a 2010 USDA grant that

develops markets for locally grown food prompted

an eight-county region to work with leaders in

Omaha and Council Blusto include local food

strategies as part of a 2011 HUD Sustainable

Communies Regional Planning Grant.

USDA alerted organizaons in eastern Arkansas

about HUD grant opportunies. The East

Arkansas Planning and Development District

joined forces with a coalion of state and local

agencies, nonprots, and colleges to apply fora HUD Regional Planning Grant to help address

problems of persistent poverty. The grant, which

was awarded in 2011, will help shape the areas

economy for years to come.

In 2011, the Partnershipand USDA jointlypublished SupportingSustainable RuralCommunities(availableat www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/publications.

htm). This report explainshow Partnership work canhelp rural communitiesachieve their goals,describes programs atthe four agencies thatare working in ruralplaces, and provides casestudies of small townsand rural regions thathave implemented sustainableapproaches with assistance fromfederal agencies.

Supporting Sustainable Rural Communities

Partnership for Sustainable C ommunities

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Fall 2011

THE

ROADAHEAD
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/grants.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/grants.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/toolsKeyResources.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/getInvolved.htmlhttp://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Home.htmlhttp://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Home.htmlhttp://www.visionwestnd.com/http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBOG.htmlhttp://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBOG.htmlhttp://www.mapacog.org/heartland-2050http://www.mapacog.org/heartland-2050http://www.eapdd.com/http://www.eapdd.com/http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/2011_11_supporting-sustainable-rural-communities.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/2011_11_supporting-sustainable-rural-communities.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/2011_11_supporting-sustainable-rural-communities.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/2011_11_supporting-sustainable-rural-communities.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/2011_11_supporting-sustainable-rural-communities.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/2011_11_supporting-sustainable-rural-communities.pdfhttp://www.eapdd.com/http://www.eapdd.com/http://www.mapacog.org/heartland-2050http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBOG.htmlhttp://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBOG.htmlhttp://www.visionwestnd.com/http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Home.htmlhttp://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Home.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/getInvolved.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/community.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/toolsKeyResources.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/grants.htmlhttp://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/grants.html


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HUD-DOT-EPAPartn

ershipforSustainab

leCommunities

Grantsan

dAssistance2009-

2012

Legend

DOTTCSP

DOTTIGER

DOTTransit

EPABrownfieldsPlannin

gAssistance

EPASmartGrowthTech

nicalAssistance

HUDChoiceNeighborhoods

HUDCommunityChallenge

HUDSustainableComm

unitiesRegionalPlanningGrant

EPAStatewideTechnica

lAssistance

RhodeIsland

EP

AStatewide

A

ssistance

Updated:March26,2012

Note:Somemarkershave

beenshiftedtoimprove

visibility.

Alaska

Mid-A

tlantic

DetailMap

Hawaii

PuertoRico

AsofApril2012

,thePartnershipagencieshavereceivedmorethan7,700applicaonsforassistance,requesngalmost$102

billion.

ThePartnership

hasbeenabletofund744projectsincommuniesinall50statesplusth

eDistrictofColumbiaandPuertoRicowith

approximately$3.51billion,represenngfewerthan10percen

tofapplicaons.


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Oce of Sustainable Communies (1807T)

EPA 231-R-12-001

www.epa.gov/smartgrowth

June 2012

www.sustainablecommunies.gov

Photos on front cover (from le to right): Atlanta, GA; Ranson, WV; Cincinna, OH; Spokane, WA

Photos on back cover (from le to right): Bridgeport, CT; Moline, IL; Denver, CO; Montgomery, AL
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/http://www.dot.gov/http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUDhttp://www.epa.gov/

Documents

partnership_accomplishments_report_508 .pdf