EPA created the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in 2002 to recognize exceptional approaches to development that protect the environment, foster economic vitality and enhance quality of life. "Every year the Smart Growth Achievement Award winners show us new and creative ways to bring environmental sustainability to our communities - and this year is no exception," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Smart Growth has an important role to play in building a new foundation for prosperity in communities across the nation. Innovative Smart Growth techniques give communities from urban to suburban to rural the chance to be environmentally sustainable and economically resilient."

The four recipients of the 2009 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement are as follows:
• The Overall Excellence award went to the Lancaster County Planning Commission for Envision Lancaster County, a comprehensive growth management plan, which protects valuable farmland and historic landscapes by directing development to established towns and cities in the county.

• The Policies and Regulations award went to the City of Charlotte, North Carolina for their Urban Street Design Guidelines, which emphasize walking, bicycling and transit in this rapidly growing metropolitan area.

• The Built Projects category award went to Chicago Housing Authority, FitzGerald Associates Architects and Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation for Parkside of Old Town. Parkside of Old Town is a public housing redevelopment that has transformed the neighborhood by reconnecting it to downtown Chicago and tying together mixed-income housing, parks and new shops and restaurants.

• The Smart Growth and Green Building award went to the City of Tempe, Arizona for the Tempe Transportation Center. The Tempe Transportation Center is a model for sustainable design, a vibrant, mixed-use regional transportation hub that incorporates innovative and green building elements tailored to the Southwest desert environment.

These four award winners have implemented smart growth policies and strategies that are replicable, effective and reflect citizen and stakeholder participation and partnership. These award-winning communities will be featured at the 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, February 4-6. Register for the conference online before January 15 at http://www.newpartners.org/. The special $159 room rate at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel is available until January 13.

Related Links
For information about the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, see the conference web site. Web link: http://www.NewPartners.org
For information about the Smart Growth Awards, see the EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement web site. Web link: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards/sg_awards_publication_2009.htm

For more information:
About the conference:
Michele Warren, Local Government Commission
1303 J St., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814 US
phone: 916-448-1198 ext. 308; email: [email protected]

About the Awards:
Abby Hall, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Mailcode 1807T, Washington, D.C. 20460
phone: 202-566-2086; email: [email protected]