Sustainable Communities Building Blocks

The US EPA developed the Sustainable Communities Blocks Program in an effort to help communities improve the quality of life for existing residents and manage future development while becoming more economically and environmentally sustainable.

The program "seeks to provide quick, targeted technical assistance to 20 communities using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. This technical assistance will help selected local and/or tribal governments to implement development approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, and improve overall quality of life."

The EPA's technical assistance will cover zoning code reviews, walkability assessments, parking policy analysis, climate action planning, commuter benefits, complete streets, and fiscal and economic tools.

A Request for Letters of Interest (RFLI) was released last week. Letters must be received by February 23, 2011. Use the link here to learn more and apply.