2007 Call for Entries: National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

Summary: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the sixth annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to public-sector entities that have used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. Applications are due April 3.

This year, applications will be accepted in five categories:

• Overall excellence in smart growth
• Built projects
• Policies and regulations
• Equitable development
• Waterfront and coastal communities.

Supporting national environmental goals
Smart growth development practices support national environmental goals by preserving open spaces and parkland and protecting critical habitat; improving transportation choices, including walking, bicycling, and transit, which reduces emissions from automobiles; promoting brownfield redevelopment; and reducing impervious surfaces, which improves water quality.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit applications for smart growth policies, projects, or programs that have shown significant activity between April 3, 2002, and April 3, 2007. Successful applicants will have used smart growth principles to create places that respect community culture and the environment, foster economic development, and enhance quality of life and public health.

Up to five winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November.