In this issue:

• Federal Policy Update/Action Alert: Tell your Senators to support funding for the Partnership for Sustainable Communities
• 2012 EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Application
• Register now for the SGA Coalition and Lobby Day (April 25-26,2012)
• SGA Monthly Coalition Call coming up March, 29, 2012 @ 4pm EST

Please take a moment to encourage your Senators to sign on to a letter in support of funding for the Partnership for Sustainable Communities

We are in the beginning stages of our advocacy campaign to reinstate funding for HUD’s Sustainable Communities Initiative (the Regional Planning and Community Challenge grants). This year, we want to focus on generating strong support in the Senate for the HUD program.

Click here for a template letter urging your senators to sign onto a letter being circulated by Senator Landrieu and Senator Menendez addressed to Senator Collins and Senator Murray. The letter being circulated expresses support for the Partnership for Sustainable Communities – specifically HUD’s Sustainable Communities Initiative in the FY13 Appropriations process. Please submit your letter by noon Thursday, March 22nd and CC Jeri Mintzer.

2012 EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement 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. Click here for more information.

Register for the SGA Coalition and Lobby Day

Smart Growth America’s Annual Coalition Meeting and Lobby Day is on April 25 and 26. Please register for the coalition meeting and lobby day no later than Friday, March 30! Click here for more information.

SGA Monthly Coalition Call coming up March, 29, 2012 @ 4pm EST

The next SGA coalition call will take place Thursday, March 29 at 4pm EST on this conference line: 712-432-0111, 668783#. Topics covered will include SGA’s new federal financing of real estate project.