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Smart Growth

2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet

2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Cover Photo
Download the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet (PDF). Photo of Atlanta, Georgia, courtesy of Christopher T. Martin.

Through the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, EPA recognizes and supports communities that use innovative policies and strategies to strengthen their economies, provide housing and transportation choices, develop in ways that bring benefits to a wide range of residents, and protect the environment.

The 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet includes:

  • A message from the EPA Administrator
  • About the award
  • How smart growth protects the environment
  • Descriptions and photographs of each award winner

The winners are:

  • Overall Excellence
    Sears Warehouse building, Atlanta, GA
    Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Atlanta BeltLine have helped to spark over $775 million in private development, including the mixed-use redevelopment of the long-abandoned Sears Warehouse Building. Photo courtesy of Christopher T. Martin.

    Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Historic Fourth Ward Park
    Atlanta, Georgia

    The redevelopment of a formerly contaminated rail corridor into a multi-use trail and connected park system is sparking economic development, community engagement, and new affordable housing options in 45 city neighborhoods.  

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  • Corridor or Neighborhood Revitalization
    Old Mill Buildings
    Original elements of the old mill buildings, such as open staircases, south-facing windows, and thick, insulating exterior walls, showcase the district's character while creating energy-efficient spaces. Photo courtesy of EPA.

    Historic Millwork District and Washington Neighborhood
    Dubuque, Iowa

    The conversion of a mostly vacant former mill district into a lively, mixed-use neighborhood reconnected the area to downtown and the adjacent residential neighborhood.
     

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  • Policies, Programs, and Plans
    Development of the GO TO 2040 Plan
    Tens of thousands of Chicago-area residents participated in the development of the GO TO 2040 plan through in-person community meetings and interactive online tools. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

    GO TO 2040
    Metropolitan Chicago, Illinois

    This seven-county regional plan for growth and economic development engages a wide variety of partners and links local planning efforts to a broad regional vision through tools and technical assistance.

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Lower East Side Action Plan
The LEAP process helped the city of Detroit connect directly with residents to incorporate their ideas into the broader, citywide plan. Photo courtesy of Jefferson East, Inc.
  • Policies, Programs, and Plans: Honorable Mention
    Lower Eastside Action Plan
    Detroit, Michigan

    This grassroots effort formed a plan for revitalization that engaged residents in creating a vision for a low-income, high-vacancy neighborhood and influenced citywide planning.

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  • Built Projects
    La Valentina Light Rail
    La Valentina residents have easy access to light rail, which can take them to jobs and services downtown in less than 10 minutes. Photo courtesy of Bruce Damonte

    La Valentina
    Sacramento, California

    An energy-efficient, mixed-income, mixed-use apartment building on a former brownfield site next to a light-rail station is transforming an industrial neighborhood and giving residents transportation options.

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Via Verde Rooftop Gardens
Via Verde's rooftops serve residents by providing fresh produce in community gardens, places to socialize in public spaces, and energy through solar panels. Photo courtesy of David Sundberg/Esto
  • Built Projects: Honorable Mention
    Via Verde
    The Bronx, New York

    This affordable, transit-oriented, highly energy-efficient building features design that emphasizes health and wellness for residents.

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  • Plazas, Parks, and Public Places
    Charles City Playground Equipment
    Playground equipment was built using natural materials that protect the area from flooding while providing fun features for kids to explore. Photo courtesy of EPA

    Charles City Riverfront Park
    Charles City, Iowa

    This multi-facility park built on a flood plain connects to downtown and adjacent low-income housing, brings economic benefits, and has become the recreational heart of the city.
     

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