Through the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, EPA recognizes and supports communities that use innovative policies and strategies to strengthen their economies, provide housing and transportation choices, develop in ways that bring benefits to a wide range of residents, and protect the environment.
The 2003 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet includes:
- A message from the EPA Administrator
- Smart growth and the environment
- About the award
- Descriptions and photographs of each award winner
- Updates on the 2002 award winners
The winners are:
- Overall Excellence in Smart Growth
The Excelsior and Grand project adds almost 350 residential units and 160,000 square feet of retail to the area. Photo courtesy of award winner.
Livable Communities Program
Metropolitan Council Minneapolis-St.Paul Metropolitan Area, Minnesota
The Livable Communities Act provides financial and technical support to public entities and their private-sector partners to redevelop urban brownfield sites, produce lifecycle and affordable housing, and create or revitalize town centers and neighborhoods.
For updates on this project, see the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklets for 2004 and 2005.
- Built Projects
Photo courtesy of award winner.
The Village at NTC
Department of the Navy–Southwest Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, San Diego, California
The Village at the Naval Training Center (NTC) brings attractive, affordable housing to military families through an innovative public-private partnership. The traditional neighborhood design creates a place where families can live and play and have easy access to employment and shopping.
For updates on this project, see the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklets for 2004 and 2005.
- Policies and Regulations
Housing Enhancement Loan ProgramCuyahoga County Treasurer’s Office, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
The owners of this house on Maywood Road in South Euclid used HELP loans to renovate their home. The overall effect is to stabilize the neighborhood and increase property values. Housing Enhancement Loan Program. Photo courtesy of award winner.
The Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office—working with private banks and local municipalities—has helped finance more than 4,700 home improvement loans worth over $57 million, stemming out-migration, helping residents stay in their homes, and strengthening compact, diverse and livable neighborhoods, for less than $1 million per year.
For an update on this project, see the 2004 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.
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Community Outreach and Education
Georgia Quality Growth Program Georgia Department of Community Affairs–Office of Quality Growth, State of Georgia
OQG worked with Whitfield County and Murray County in North Georgia to retain the historic character along the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway. Photo courtesy of award winner.The Georgia Office of Quality Growth provides a full menu of resources to communities looking for better ways to grow. Rather than regulating, the state fosters exchanges of local success stories, provides model ordinances, and sends resource teams to communities that request assistance.
For an update on this project, see the 2004 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklet.
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Public Schools
Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School
Wake County Public School System/City of Raleigh, Raleigh, North Carolina
Students at Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School. Photo courtesy of award winner.The Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School is situated in the heart of Raleigh's cultural and arts district, providing students with a unique educational opportunity that draws on downtown cultural institutions. Within walking distance of diverse neighborhoods, it has helped strengthen and revitalize the surrounding area.
For updates on this project, see the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement booklets for 2004 and 2009.