![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Smart Growth
Award Guidelines and Entry Rules
- Excellence in Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Application
- Definitions
- Eligibility
- Minimum Criteria
- Selection Criteria
- Application Instructions
- Entry Deadline and Submittal Information
- For Further Information
- Fill and Print Entry Form (PDF) (9 pp, 164K, About PDF)
- Alternate format: Fill and Save/Print Entry From (DOC) (8pp, 77K)
- Alternate format: Entry Form (HTML)
Smart Growth is characterized by development patterns that create attractive, distinctive, walkable communities that give people of varying age, wealth, and physical ability a range of safe, affordable, convenient choices in where they live and how they get around. Growing smart also ensures that existing resources are used efficiently and that lands and buildings that shape communities are preserved.
Communities across the country are using creative strategies to develop in ways that preserve natural lands and critical environmental areas, protect water and air quality and reuse previously developed land. They conserve resources by reinvesting in existing infrastructure and reclaiming historic buildings. By designing neighborhoods to contain homes, shops, offices, parks, and other amenities, these communities are giving their residents and visitors the option of walking, bicycling, taking public transportation, or driving as they go about their business.
A range of different types of homes makes it possible for aging Americans to stay in their homes as they age, young people to afford their first homes and families, at all stages in between, to find a safe and attractive home they can afford. Through smart growth approaches that enhance neighborhoods and involve local citizens in development decisions, these communities are creating vibrant places to live, work, and play. The high quality of life in these communities makes them economically competitive, creates business opportunities, and improves the local tax base. Read more information about Smart Growth.