One of President Barack Obama’s top priorities is to build economically competitive, healthy, opportunity-rich communities.  In support of this effort, Congress provided a total of $150 million to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a Sustainable Communities Initiative in the 2010 Budget to improve regional planning efforts that integrate housing and transportation decisions, and increase the capacity to improve land use and zoning.  Approximately $100 million will be available for regional integrated planning initiatives through HUD’s Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program.  This program is currently accepting registrations by those entities and organizations that are interested in seeking funding.  The deadline for the initial registration process is May 14, 2010.

The Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program (the Program) is intended to help build the capacity of communities to address the complex challenges of growth and revitalization in the 21st century in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary way. Funding from this Program will support the development and implementation of Sustainable Regional Development Plans. A priority will be placed on supporting regions that demonstrate a commitment to take well-developed plans and move them into implementation. The Appropriations Act directs the Secretary of HUD to establish a regional planning grant program that provides grants to assist regional entities and consortia of local governments with integrated housing, transportation, economic development, water infrastructure, and environmental planning. HUD’s Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities is working in partnership with DOT and EPA to define all aspects of this Program. HUD will serve as the lead agency for all grants and will consult with its agency partners throughout the Program.

The Sustainable Communities Initiative was conceived to advance development patterns that achieve improved economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social equity in metropolitan regions and rural communities. Recognizing the fundamental role that public investment plays in achieving these outcomes, the Administration charged three agencies whose programs impact the physical form of communities—HUD, DOT, and EPA—to lead the way in reshaping the role of the Federal government in helping communities obtain the capacity to embrace a more sustainable future. As a result, HUD, DOT, and EPA have formed the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (the Partnership).

For more information about the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program and to view the announcement to register for funding consideration, click here.