4E, Motion to Authorize Staff to Apply for 2008 Smart Growth Tech Assistance

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2008 Request for Applications (RF A) I Smart Growth Implementation Assistance I Smart... Page 2 of 6 . crafting policies that allow or encourage specific smart growth techniques (e.g., transit-oriented development; infill; redeveloping vacant properties, brownfields, abandoned gas stations, etc.); . reviewing state department of transportation investments to support smart growth; . using smart growth to balance the goals of economic development and cultural development through heritage preservation; . analyzing plans, guidelines, criteria, or procedures for school investments; . retrofitting a commercial corridor; . coordinating communities' smart growth design with active aging programs; . reviewing state, regional, or local investments and poiicies to support climate change goals and more compact development; . evaluating regional equity through access to healthy food and public transportation or capacity building in underserved communities; . analyzing a pending update to zoning codes; . using smart growth to address BRAC-related challenges, including growing populations, due to military realignment or closing of a local military facility; . meeting a statutory deadline on stormwater ordinances; . crafting a vision for reclaiming derelict property with the assistance of community development corporations and youth-based housing rehabilitation programs; or . reviewing subdivision regulations to support complete street networks and compact development. EPA is particularly interested in projects that seek to resolve challenges associated with increasing the supply, quality, or accessibility of affordable (or workforce) housing in a smart growth development context. While expanding housing choice is a core principle of smart growth, the regulatory framework often inhibits the private market from producing a range of housing types that would satisfy the needs of all income levels. Some communities have had success addressing affordability challenges using smart growth approaches, thereby better understanding the environmental, transportation, and fiscal impacts.. at the household and community levels.. of different housing options. Projects that can use this assistance to develop innovative, practical, and replicable solutions to these challenges will merit careful consideration under criteria #4 (see below) from reviewers this year. Selected communities or states will receive assistance in the form of a multi~day visit from a team of experts organized by EPA and other national partners to work with local leaders. EPA will provide this assistance through an Agency contract vehicle, not a grant. Team members will be nationally known experts in disciplines to be determined by the community's unique needs. Team visits consist of meetings with state or local staff to study the context and specific project and discussions with elected officials, business leaders, citizen organizations, and representatives of many different sectors. On the last day, the team presents preliminary findings to the applicant and its leadership. After the visit, the team works with the applicant to deliver a final report. EPA plans to assist three to five communities in 2008. EPA anticipates announcing the selected communities in fall of 2008 and working with the communities over a period of twelve months. The lessons learned from these projects will be used to help other communities with similar challenges. EPA must receive applications by 5:00PM EST, Thursday, May 8th, 2008. PREPARING THE APPLICATION EPA will evaluate applications based on the criteria listed below. Project descriptions should be detailed and clearly identify the challenge the community, region, or state agency is facing and the specific activities that would be most helpful from the EPA~led team. The criteria listed below will be used to do a preliminary review of the applications. Following this initial http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/2008_sgiaJfa.htm 4/24/2008