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 2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet includes:
- A message from the EPA Administrator
- About the award
- How smart growth protects the environment
- Descriptions and photographs of each award winner
The winners are:
- Overall Excellence
The BLVD Transformation
Lancaster, CA
A dilapidated downtown corridor has been transformed into a lively, mixed-use district through investments in the streetscape, housing, and business development, bringing jobs, economic growth, and community revitalization.
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- Main Street or Corridor Revitalization
The Cooperative Building
Brattleboro, VT
A new, energy-efficient, multi-story building with a food co-op, affordable apartments, and innovative, money-saving environmental features has contributed to the vibrancy of Brattleboro's Main Street while promoting healthy living.
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Main Street or Corridor Revitalization: Honorable Mention
The Larkin District
Buffalo, New YorkThe rehabilitation of a warehouse building and public spaces has sparked widespread revitalization and redevelopment of a mixed-use district that reconnects a historic neighborhood to the rest of the city.
- Programs and Policies
Destination Portsmouth
Portsmouth, VA
A comprehensive overhaul of development and land use regulations has begun to realize the community's vision for a livable and pedestrian-friendly city while providing additional opportunities for economic development and reinvestment.
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Programs and Policies: Honorable Mention
Bay Area Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund
San Francisco Bay Area, CaliforniaA $50-million revolving fund provides loans for investments in affordable, transit-accessible housing options in an area struggling with high housing costs.
- Equitable Development
The Mariposa District
Denver, CO
A community-oriented master plan strengthens a transit-accessible, diverse Denver neighborhood through the construction of affordable housing, health improvements, and educational services for residents.
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Equitable Development: Honorable Mention
Northwest Gardens
Fort Lauderdale, FLAfter decades of disinvestment, a downtown neighborhood becomes a robust, sustainable, self-sufficient community with affordable homes, workforce training, community gardens, and civic pride.
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