2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet

2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Cover — Download the 2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet (PDF).

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 2012 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

Downtown BLVD — The BLVD is now a downtown destination and hosts regional and community events ever year, like BooLVD Halloween and Harvest Festival. Photo courtesy of City of Lancaster.

The BLVD Transformation
Lancaster, California

A dilapidated downtown corridor has been transformed into a lively, mixed-use district through investments in the streetscape, housing, and business development, bringing jobs, economic growth, and community revitalization.

Watch the video

Main Street or Corridor Revitalization

The Cooperative Building's green features — The Cooperative Building's many green features include permeable pavers outside the store entrance, a green roof, and an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Photo courtesy of Gossens Bachman Architects.

The Cooperative Building
Brattleboro, Vermont

A new, energy-efficient, multi-story building with a food co-op, affordable apartments, and innovative, money-saving environmental features has contributed to the vibrancy of Brattleboro's Main Street while promoting healthy living.

Watch the video

street festival with lots of people in open area surrounded by buildings — The Larkin District's public plazas and restaurants bring new life into a formerly industrial area. Photo courtesy of Larkin Development Group.

Main Street or Corridor Revitalization: Honorable Mention
The Larkin District
Buffalo, New York

The rehabilitation of a warehouse building and public spaces has sparked widespread revitalization and redevelopment of a mixed-use district that reconnects a historic neighborhood to the rest of the city.

Programs and Policies

man riding a bike in a bike lane — Destination Portsmouth is making streets throughout the city more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly. Photo courtesy of EPA.

Destination Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Virginia

A comprehensive overhaul of development and land use regulations has begun to realize the community's vision for a livable and pedestrian-friendly city while providing additional opportunities for economic development and reinvestment.

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modern, new multifamily building in a city — The Eddy & Taylor Building will provide housing for low-income households, plus a ground-floor grocery store to serve the community. Photo courtesy of David Baker + Partners, Architects.

Programs and Policies: Honorable Mention
Bay Area Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Fund
San Francisco Bay Area, California

A $50-million revolving fund provides loans for investments in affordable, transit-accessible housing options in an area struggling with high housing costs.

Equitable Development

people gathering at a neighborhood event in front of the Mariposa Building — Mariposa is home to a diverse group of residents who benefit from neighborhood events, nearby amenities, and proximity to public transit. Photo courtesy of Denver Housing Authority.

The Mariposa District
Denver, Colorado

A community-oriented master plan strengthens a transit-accessible, diverse Denver neighborhood through the construction of affordable housing, health improvements, and educational services for residents.

Watch the video

adults and a child at a table outside about to eat food — Northwest Gardens' 7,000-square-foot urban farm generates $1,000 worth of vegetables per week and sells food to local restaurants and residents. Photo courtesy of Carlisle Development Group.

Equitable Development: Honorable Mention
Northwest Gardens
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

After decades of disinvestment, a downtown neighborhood becomes a robust, sustainable, self-sufficient community with affordable homes, workforce training, community gardens, and civic pride.

2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Booklet (pdf) (1.84 MB)