EPA Participation in the Smart Growth Network

Members of the Smart Growth Network discuss zoning at a breakout session as part of their Quarterly Discussion on the topic of transportation in June 2023.

The Smart Growth Network is a national alliance of advocates, practitioners, policy makers and local leaders working towards a shared vision for land use and infrastructure policies and actions that result in healthy, sustainable, equitable, and prosperous communities for all.

EPA was one of the founding partners of the SGN when it was created in 1996 and continues to play a leadership role by supporting the SGN Steering Committee in the development of activities, such as in-person convenings, quarterly discussions, webinars, and sharing of resources across the SGN.

Join the Smart Growth Network
Convenings and Discussions
Webinar Series
Sustainable Communities Accelerator Network
Contact Us

Join the Smart Growth Network

All organizations working on topics related to smart growth are welcome to join the Smart Growth Network. There is no formal agreement required. The network asks for your participation, curiosity and collaboration. In particular, the Smart Growth Network focuses on topics such as climate resilience and diversity and equity through a smart growth lens, and organizations working at the intersections of these issues are encouraged to participate.

The SGN Steering Committee is a self-selected leadership group that shapes vision and programming. Any SGN member can self-nominate to join the Steering Committee. Requests are reviewed by current Steering Committee members.

Convenings and Discussions

Adriana Hochberg, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator of EPA's Office of Policy, speaks at the Smart Growth Network Quarterly Discussion in June 2023.

On a quarterly basis, the SGN convenes to discuss topics of importance, emerging issues and/or innovative smart growth solutions. Typically, these discussions allow the audience to hear from leaders and practitioners in the field and to discuss what they've learned and how it applies to their own work.

EPA has helped to coordinate the following recent meetings and quarterly discussions:

September 2024: Quarterly Discussion on the topic of Applying Smart Growth Principles in Rural Communities, hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts.
July 2024: Quarterly Discussion on the topic of Resilience to Extreme Heat, hosted by Smart Growth America.
March 2024: Quarterly Discussion on the topic of Capacity Building and Collaboration, hosted by the EPA.
December 2023: Quarterly Discussion on the topic of Zoning, hosted by the Urban Land Institute.
September 2023: Quarterly Discussion on the topic of Capacity Building, hosted by the Georgetown Climate Center.
June 2023: Quarterly Discussion on the topic of Transportation, hosted by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
December 2022: Quarterly Discussion on the intersection of equity and smart growth, hosted by the National Association of Realtors®.

Webinar Series

The SGN co-sponsors webinars as part of the Maryland Department of Planning's Sustainable Growth Webinar Series. Webinars explore various smart growth strategies, policies and case studies at both national and local levels.

Upcoming webinar topics and opportunities to register can be found here.

The archive of past webinars can be accessed here.

Sustainable Communities Accelerator Network

The Sustainable Communities Accelerator Network is a national peer learning program to support local leaders in implementing plans prioritizing sustainability.

The program is offered as a project of the Smart Growth Network and will bring together two-person teams from up to 30 communities, each working toward the implementation of one specific local policy or action during the course of the program.

Participants will:

Build their networks.
Learn from national experts.
Share their expertise and experiences.
Move their community's priorities from plan to action.

The 9-month program supports local professionals through six virtual workshops, asynchronous networking and idea-sharing, one full-day concluding convening and optional SGN webinars and Quarterly Discussions throughout the year.

We are now accepting applications for the peer learning program until Wednesday, November 13 at 11:59 PM ET. Visit the webpage to learn more about the program and how to apply.

Contact Us

To learn more about upcoming gatherings, membership in the SGN or the Steering Committee, or for more information about EPA's work with the Smart Growth Network, please email EPA's Office of Community Revitalization at [email protected].