EPA Resources on Smart Growth Economic Development

Many small towns and rural areas had an economy that was built on a single economic sector (for example, logging, mining, or manufacturing) that has changed significantly by technology and/or market forces, leaving residents without jobs and governments without a healthy tax base. Some communities respond with an economic revitalization strategy that seeks to attract major employers to replace lost jobs. Another approach is “Smart Growth” economic development, which builds upon existing assets, takes incremental actions to strengthen communities, and builds long-term value to attract a range of investments. This past year, the U.S. EPA released Framework for Creating a Smart Growth Economic Development Strategy: A Tool for Small Cities and Towns. This tool is intended for small to medium sized cities and towns that have stagnant population growth, struggling economies, and areas of divestment. It is the latest in a slew of resources available from EPA on Smart Growth, including other tools, publications, technical assistance, and case studies. EPA defines “smart growth” as a range of development and conservation strategies that help protect human health and the natural environment and make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and more socially diverse. EPA was a founding partner of the Smart Growth Network, which is a partnership of government, business, and civic organizations that support smart growth and has become a clearinghouse for information about smart growth strategies. The Framework for Creating a Smart Growth Economic Development Strategy: A Tool for Small Cities and Towns tool is part of EPA’s resources on smart growth specifically for small towns and rural [...]