Shelley Poticha

A more sustainable future

Director for Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, US Dept of Housing and Urban Development, Nov 22, 11.

Tagged with health, sustainability, communities, commutes

All across the country, thousands of Americans spend a great amount of time commuting to their jobs. This is precious time that could be spent with their families and not sitting in traffic. As our families grow and our lives get busier, living close to work becomes vital to our quality of life. We are constantly looking for a better solution, something to make things just a little bit easier. Today, 27 communities and 29 regions across the country will now be able to establish a more livable, equitable, and economically competitive future for families living in these areas.

Thanks to nearly $96 million in Sustainable Communities Awards, these communities and regions have the much needed funds to connect housing with good jobs, quality schools and transportation. Awarded to two grant programs these funds are poised to help change the face of communities across the country.

The Community Challenge Grants aim to reform and reduce barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital and sustainable communities. Awarded to large and small communities, these funds will help address local challenges to integrating transportation and housing. Funds awarded to communities may also be used to retrofit main streets to provide safer routes for children and seniors and to preserve affordable housing and local businesses near new transit stations.

Full Story: A More Sustainable Future
Source: The HUDdle, November 21, 2011

[Note: The Houston region received a $3.75 million grant during the first round of these grants. A large coalition - including Houston Tomorrow - led by the Houston - Galveston Area Council is conducting a three year process to develop the Regional Plan for Sustainable Development. If a recent measure in Congress makes it into law, this current round will be the final round of Sustainable Communities grants as future funding will be cut.]

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