Smart Growth America

Smart growth isn’t just about better places—it’s about smarter policy. Our LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors coalition identified tax priorities that can help drive walkable, mixed-use development while reducing barriers to the projects communities need. Read more in this blog by Kennedy O'Dell: https://lnkd.in/eTdGtUet From fixing the tax code’s bias toward greenfield development to expanding incentives for redevelopment, there’s an opportunity to align policy with smart growth goals.

Really appreciated having the chance to spend time in community with so many colleagues and partners at Smart Growth America's Equity Summit this year. Creating advocacy art, strategizing about zoning reform for housing abundance and meeting a plaintiff from the Held v Montana climate case... we packed a lot in. Thanks to all for the hard work that made it happen! Pics with Toccarra Nicole Thomas, AICP, MBA Sam Gordon Joseph Mendonca Violeta Duncan Calvin Gladney, LEED AP Eric Cova Kennedy O'Dell Grace Gibson-Snyder Payton Chung

Today is Day 2 of our #SmartGrowthEquity Summit! So far, we've heard from two great groups of panelists about how to both advocate for and finance smart growth projects. We also spent the morning in workshops that focused on the connection between smart growth and #CompleteStreets, arts and culture, and climate, and we're gearing up for some sessions on accessibility in our streetscapes, green and Complete Streets, and community leadership ✨

We're so excited to welcome our attendees for Day 1 of our 2025 #SmartGrowthEquity Summit! We kicked the morning off with our pre-Summit activities around DC, and spent the first portion of this afternoon hearing from our President and CEO, Calvin Gladney, LEED AP, along with our keynote speaker and staff writer for the Atlantic, Jerusalem Demsas!

On Friday, March 14th, the Trump Administration released a new executive order calling for a reduction in personnel and operations at the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). CDFI financing is an important pillar for community development projects. De-funding CDFIs will impact the efforts of much-needed housing projects. Learn more about the value of CDFIs and how they help create more vibrant places ⤵️ Kennedy O'Dell, LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors https://lnkd.in/gaHy35aY

Our 2025 Equity Summit is this Wednesday and Thursday! We're looking forward to Adam's workshop, and the rest of our programming. Will we see you there? Learn more about this year's event: https://lnkd.in/euKrbE-3

Our National Complete Streets Coalition works to ensure the integration of people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation networks. Whether you're a long-time supporter or just finding the Coalition, we'd love for you to fill out our form so we can continue to build our movement together! Fill out the interest form here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eeRM9Ekz Now is the time to keep the momentum for the #CompleteStreets movement going. We hope you'll join us!

In partnership with our National Brownfields Coalition, we wrote a letter of support for the reintroduction of the Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Reauthorization Act. This bill, introduced by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) and Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH-10), will allow taxpayers to fully deduct the cleanup costs of contaminated property in the year the costs were incurred. See the list of almost 100 organizations who showed their support, and take action to support this powerful tool that will transform brownfield sites into places that can thrive 👇 https://lnkd.in/ejYd2sAg Restoring this tax credit is long overdue. We thank Rep. Sherrill and Rep. Turner for their continued efforts in advocating for the passage of this bill.

Kentucky has been hard at work with implementing #CompleteStreets projects that support safe, healthy, and resilient communities. That’s why we’re building on their efforts our Complete Streets Leadership Academy! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eGEHgXzc Our Academy empowers local jurisdictions to improve road safety through tailored technical assistance and action planning to address their community’s road safety concerns. We’re looking forward to designing and implementing innovative Complete Streets strategies together! If you’re based in KY or know of people in the state that are doing this work, we’d love your help spreading the word, and we’d love to connect you with the leaders in our Academy. Comment below so we can get in touch!