HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of its Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants that support metropolitan and multijurisdictional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments.  The grants would be designed to empower jurisdictions to consider the interdependent challenges of: 1) economic competitiveness and revitalization; 2) social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; 3) energy use and climate change; and 4) public health and environmental impact.

The Program places a priority on investing in partnerships, including nontraditional partnerships (e.g., arts and culture, recreation, public health, food systems, regional planning agencies and public education entities).  These partnerships are intended to help translate the Federal Livability Principles into strategies that direct long-term development and reinvestment; demonstrate a commitment to addressing issues of regional significance; use data to set and monitor progress toward performance goals; and engage stakeholders and residents in meaningful decision-making roles.

Pre-applications must be submitted by August 25, 2011.  For more information, visit www.hud.gov/sustainability.