Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $100 million in Regional Planning and Community Challenge Grants as part of the 2013 budget. According to the press release, these “grants are part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, which is an association between HUD, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joining the federal government with local partners in taking a pragmatic, regional approach to problem solving that supports local leadership, local resources, and local innovation”
HUD’s Secretary, Shaun Donovan, cited the need for and long term benefits of “strong local and regional economies that include a wide range of business and attract a diverse workforce” in his address to the National Association of Regional Councils. Sustainable development embraces the notion of building community, keeping jobs local, and improving the situation of those in a given area. Redevelopment is often the key, as opposed to new growth, which often necessitates building further out. By working with extant communities, HUD can improve the conditions on the ground.
Donovan discussed The Sustainable Community Grants, which he called “a blue print for regional and local governments to plan for their economic future.” These grants “have been critical to the nation’s economic recovery and over the last two years, HUD has awarded 152 grants, totaling $240 million that have in turn secured almost $253 million in private investment and commitments from local partners.” Recipients of the grants include mid-size to large cities, like Austin, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as rural communities in West Virginia and South Dakota.
As part of the address, Donovan debuted the Sustainability Resource Center webpage. The website is intended to serve as a resource demonstrating best practices in sustainable development projects across the country. The site includes information on
- economic competiveness
- housing and transportation choices
- regional planning
- green building
- rural and tribal sustainability
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
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