![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
Background
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.
Smart growth development practices support national environmental goals by preserving open spaces and parkland and protecting critical habitat; improving transportation choices, including walking, bicycling, and transit, which reduces emissions from automobiles; promoting brownfield redevelopment; and reducing impervious surfaces, which improves water quality.
To learn more about smart growth and the environment, see our Environmental Benefits of Smart Growth page.
If you have questions concerning the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement program, contact Sarah Dale (dale.sarah@epa.gov, 202-564-6998)
2012 Application
EPA is pleased to announce that the application period for the 11th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement is now open. This competition is open to public- and private-sector entities that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. Winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, DC, in December 2012.
- There is only one application form for all three categories listed below.
- Programs and Policies
- Equitable Development
- Main Street or Corridor Revitalization
In addition, the review panel will choose an Overall Excellence winner from those that apply in these three categories.
- Application deadline: April 6, 2012.
- Public-sector winners will receive one complementary registration to the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in 2013.
- EPA will film short videos of the winning projects, which will be shown at the awards ceremony in 2012 and the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in 2013 and posted on the EPA smart growth website.
- All entries must be submitted using the application form.
- The application can be submitted by either a public-sector or private-sector entity, but all applications must include a public-sector partner.
Click here to download the official award guidelines and entry form. 2012 Award Guidelines and Entry Form (14 pp, 106KB, .docx) Note that an updated entry form will be posted here by March 2012 with information on where to send the applications.
2011 Award Winners
To learn more about the 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement winners, view the 2011 awards publication online or download it here (PDF) (20 pp, 1.6 MB,About PDF). Hard copies available by emailing nscep@bps-lmit.com or calling (800) 490-9198 and requesting EPA 231-K-11-002.
On December 1, 2011, EPA announced the winners of the 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in five categories:
Overall Excellence in Smart Growth:Old North St. Louis Revitalization Initiative — City of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group
A community redefined and rebuilt a historic neighborhood to attract new residents and economic growth while maintaining its distinctive character.
Smart Growth and Green Building: Silver Gardens Apartments — City of Albuquerque, New Mexico
The first LEED Platinum-certified affordable housing project in the Southwest puts innovative green design near reliable transportation options, meeting a critical public need.
Programs, Policies, and Regulations: Plan El Paso 2010 — City of El Paso, Texas
A comprehensive, transit-oriented development plan will help link neighborhoods to greater economic opportunity and to one another, creating new homes and jobs.
Rural Smart Growth: Maroney Commons — Miner County Development Corporation and the Rural Learning Center
A green building generates jobs and teaches rural communities about innovative environmental approaches to spur economic development.
Civic Places: Uptown Normal Roundabout — Town of Normal, Illinois
A roundabout originally designed to manage traffic has evolved into a civic gathering place and an anchor for economic revitalization, with green features that benefit the entire community.
Read About Previous Winners
