2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

From 2002 to 2015, EPA presented the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement to recognize and support communities that used 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.

Awards were given in the following categories in 2013:

Overall Excellence: Historic Fourth Ward Park and Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail in Atlanta, Georgia
Corridor or Neighborhood Revitalization: Historic Millwork District and Washington Neighborhood in Dubuque, Iowa
Policies, Programs, and Plans: GO TO 2040 by Metropolitan Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
- Honorable Mention: The Lower Eastside Action Plan in Detroit, Michigan
Built Projects: La Valentina in Sacramento, California
- Honorable Mention: Via Verde in the Bronx, New York
Plazas, Parks, and Public Spaces: Charles City Riverfront Park in Charles City, Iowa

Overall Excellence: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta, Georgia

This Smart Growth Award recognized the redevelopment of a formerly contaminated rail corridor into a multi-use trail and connected park system, which is sparking economic development, community engagement, and new affordable housing options in 45 city neighborhoods.

At the time of award, the Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Atlanta BeltLine had helped generate over $775 million in private development, including the mixed-use redevelopment of the long-abandoned Sears Warehouse Building.

Corridor or Neighborhood Revitalization: Historic Millwork District and Washington Neighborhood in Dubuque, Iowa

This Smart Growth Award recognized the conversion of a mostly vacant former mill district into a lively, mixed-use neighborhood reconnected the area to downtown and the adjacent residential neighborhood.

Original elements of the old mill buildings, such as open staircases, south-facing windows, and thick, insulating exterior walls, showcase the district's character while creating energy-efficient spaces.

Policies, Programs, and Plans: GO TO 2040 by Metropolitan Chicago, Illinois

This Smart Growth Award recognized the seven-county regional plan for growth and economic development that engaged a wide variety of partners and links local planning efforts to a broad regional vision through tools and technical assistance.

Tens of thousands of Chicago-area residents participated in the development of the GO TO 2040 plan through in-person community meetings and interactive online tools.

Honorable Mention for Policies, Programs, and Plans: The Lower Eastside Action Plan in Detroit, Michigan

a woman showing an older man and woman something on a map — Photo courtesy of Jefferson East, Inc.

This Smart Growth Honorable Mention recognized the Lower Eastside Action Plan (LEAP) process.

This process helped the city of Detroit connect directly with residents and incorporate their ideas and vision for revitalization for a low-income, high-vacancy neighborhood into a broader citywide plan.

Built Projects: La Valentina in Sacramento, California

This Smart Growth Award recognized La Valentina, an energy-efficient, mixed-income, mixed-use apartment building on a former brownfield site next to a light-rail station. This project helped transform an industrial neighborhood and provide residents with varied transportation options.

Honorable Mention for Built Projects: Via Verde in the Bronx, New York

four women working on a rooftop garden — Photo courtesy of David Sundberg/Esto.

This Smart Growth Honorable Mention recognized this affordable, transit-oriented, highly energy-efficient building that resident emphasizes health and wellness.

Via Verde's rooftops provide community gardens, public spaces for socializing, and energy from solar panels.

Plazas, Parks, and Public Places: Charles City Riverfront Park in Charles City, Iowa

a girl and a boy about to go down a slide in a park

This Smart Growth Award recognized this multi-facility park, built on a flood plain, that connected to downtown and adjacent low-income housing, brought economic benefits, and had become the recreational heart of the city.

The playground equipment was built using natural materials that protect the area from flooding while providing fun features for kids to explore.