All News Releases By Date

EPA Provides Smart Growth Assistance to Greensboro

Release Date: 07/13/2007
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, (404) 562-8293, marraccini.davina@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – JULY 13, 2007) The City of Greensboro, N.C., was one of six communities selected nationally to receive customized technical assistance from EPA to help them put the principles of more efficient, affordable and environmentally sensitive growth into action.

The communities were selected under a competitive, nationwide application process that drew 67 submissions from 30 states. Under a federal contract, each community will receive approximately $45,000 in direct assistance from a team of national experts organized by EPA and other partners to work with local leaders. Team members will have expertise in disciplines relevant to each community's unique needs. The projects will start this summer.

Civic leaders recognize that growth is coming to Greensboro, and they want to direct that growth toward their downtown and inner neighborhoods. Putting more development in the center of the city will preserve land on the edge of town, as well as make it easier for people to walk, bike, or take transit. Targeting development in areas where it already exists will also use existing infrastructure and help to preserve water quality. To encourage this type of development and satisfy market demand, the city requested assistance for public workshops focusing on infill-related design issues in four neighborhoods, addressing topics related to universities, neighborhood planning, housing shortage, historic preservation, and pedestrian amenities.

The other recipients include: the Atlanta Regional Commission; the California Department of Transportation; the City of Denver, Co.; Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky; and Valley Metro Transit with the cities of Phoenix and Mesa.

More on the 2007 SGIA Communities: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia2007.htm