Local leaders across the country have already built their way to better budgets.
Dozens of municipalities have compared development scenarios and the impact they would have on public finances. Nearly as many places have found that they could save money—and increase revenue—by using smarter development strategies.
How much can other communities expect to save with these strategies? And how much revenue, on average, does smart growth development generate compared to the alternatives?
Next week Smart Growth America will release new research that answers these questions. The new report collects local studies from across the country and will unveil new analysis on how smart growth strategies would impact an average municipality’s budget.
Residents in New Orleans are encouraged to think creatively about St. Claude Avenue. The result? More trees along the street. Photo by St. Claude Main Street via Facebook.
If it was easier for citizens to create the neighborhood spaces they want most, what would they choose?
Crowdfunding of public assets gives us a hint. Independent films, art projects and small companies have all used crowdfunding to get off the ground and now residents are using the strategy to create the public spaces they want to see.
Mayor Anthony Foxx at a press conference for the LYNX Light Rail line. Photo via.
Later today President Obama is expected to nominate Anthony R. Foxx, mayor of Charlotte, NC, as the next secretary of transportation. If confirmed Foxx would replace current secretary Ray LaHood, who announced in January that he would step down.
What might a mayor bring to this national position? And what projects in Charlotte might inform Foxx’s work if he becomes secretary?
Earlier this week, Smart Growth America’s Vice President of Policy Development and Implementation Bill Fulton spoke in Nashville, TN as part of the NashvilleNext speakers series. Watch the full video of his presentation above.
New PAC to Back Pedestrians, Bikes Wall Street Journal – April 24, 2013
A group of activists who favor the city’s recent investments in bike lanes, pedestrian-only street plazas and other urban elements that don’t cater to cars have a plan for ensuring the movement continues: a political-action committee.
Supporting Local Communities by Building Capacity and Cutting Red Tape The White House blog – April 25, 2013
One year ago, the President established the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) that established an innovative new model of federal-local collaboration dedicated to assisting communities get back on their feet and create jobs by helping them better leverage federal resources and form key partnerships to implement economic visions.
Bill Fulton speaking last night in Nashville. Photo via Nashville Next.
Smart Growth America’s Vice President of Policy Development and Implementation Bill Fulton spoke in Nashville last night as part of the Nashville Next speaker series.
The Watermark restaurant in The Gulch district in Nashville. The Gulch generated far more revenue per unit than the two other development scenarios. Photo by The Gulch.
Tennessee taxpayers could save money by using smarter development strategies, according to new research published by Smart Growth America.
In the next few days, Congress will set priorities for millions of dollars of funding for federal programs—including programs that support better neighborhood development.
This funding could helps towns across the country revitalize Main Streets, redevelop historic buildings, rebuild on abandoned land and more. But only if Congress hears from supporters like you.
Whether you planned ahead or rushed to get them done, income taxes were due yesterday. Income tax pays for a variety of federal programs, including programs that help communities build in better ways. What portion of income taxes go to these programs?
The White House’s Federal Taxpayer Receipt breaks down how much of the budget was spent on different programs, and what that means for an average taxpayer’s tax payment. Enter your tax information below to find out exactly where your tax payment went.
