EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities is currently offering two
technical assistance opportunities: Smart Growth Implementation
Assistance and Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities. Both
programs have calls for letters of interest open from September 28 to October 28, 2011.
The Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) program focuses on complex or cutting-edge issues and can take about 18 months. These projects explore innovative ideas to overcome barriers that are preventing communities from getting the kind of development they want.
Potential topics for this round of assistance include economic
development for rural communities, resilience planning for natural
hazards, linking planning for land use and economic development, using locally generated energy, and smart growth for tribal communities. EPA will choose up to four communities to receive assistance.
The Building Blocks program provides targeted technical assistance to communities that face common development problems. It employs a variety of tools such as improving pedestrian access and safety, zoning code reviews, and housing and transportation evaluations. EPA will select up to 50 communities and provide direct assistance by EPA staff and private sector experts.
Applicants should determine which technical assistance program is right for their community.
More information on the SGIA program and the request for letters of interest, click here for the website. More information on Building Blocks and the request for letters of
interest, click here for the website. 
