Sustainable Communities & Economies

Sustainable Communities Learning Network SCLA

Dena Belzer, President, Strategic Economics, explores how we can map our regional economies and understand the underlying relationships between housing, jobs, and transportation in her presentation entitled, "It's the Economy, Stupid."

Our customized SCLA workshop series for the Sustainable Communities Learning Network accelerates local projects to increase the livibility of our towns, cities, and regions. Photo Credit: ISC

  • Overview
  • Resources

  • Overview

    Jun 18 - Jun 20, 2012
    Baltimore, MD USA
    Presenters:
    Brad Barnett, Planning Analyst, PlaceMatters
    Dena Belzer, President, Strategic Economics
    Jennifer Cotting, Program Manager,University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center
    Maia Davis, Environmental Planner, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
    Christopher Forinash, Program Director, Institute for Sustainable Communities
    Salin Geevarghese, Senior Advisor, HUD Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities
    Tom Madrecki, Press Manager, Smart Growth America
    Tom Maziarz, Bureau Chief of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation
    Theo Ngongang, Planning Division Chief, City of Baltimore Department of Transportation
    Elisa Ortiz, Deputy Director of Government Affairs and Outreach, Smart Growth America
    Shelley Poticha, Director, HUD Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities
    Ilana Preuss, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Smart Growth America
    Jason Reece, Director of Research, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity
    Scot Spencer, Associate Director, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
    Kurt Sommer, Project Director, Baltimore Integration Partnership, The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
    Kalima Rose, Senior Director, PolicyLink
    Joanne Throwe, Director, University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center
    Harriet Tregoning, Director, D.C. Office of Planning
    Sarita Turner, Sustainable Communities Fellow, PolicyLink
    Diana Williams, Director of Public Policy, The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities
    Chris Yake, Project Director, Center for Transit-Oriented Development, Reconnecting America
    Download Agenda

    Workshop Recap

    The Sustainable Communities Learning Network SCLA was designed and delivered for sustainability practitioners across the country who are working with federal grants or are receiving technical assistance from the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The workshop brought 11 regional teams together and helped them find ways to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders, garner the necessary internal and external support for their efforts, and find sustainable funding sources.

    The event was a rare opportunity for these practitioners to connect, in a private and productive environment, with peers, as well as leading national practitioners, thinkers, investors, and policy makers. The workshop was the first of five planned in-person capacity-building opportunities offered by ISC and Smart Growth America through the Sustainable Communities Learning Network.

    Grantee Teams

    • Baltimore Region, Maryland
    • Centralina, North Carolina
    • Connecticut, Statewide
    • Greater Portland, Maine
    • Lower Cape Fear, North Carolina
    • National Capital Region
    • New York-Connecticut Region
    • Sanford, Maine
    • Ranson, West Virginia
    • Rhode Island, Statewide
    • Western North Carolina

    Funders



    Partners


  • Resources

    • Resource Guide

      Sustainable Communities Learning Network SCLA Resource Guide

      This Resource Guide was developed for the Sustainable Communities Learning Network SCLA held from June 18th - 20th in Baltimore, MD. The guide was made possible with support from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Surdna Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Video

      Building a Sustainable D.C

      Harriet Tregoning, Director of the D.C Office of Planning, shares the innovative and promising practices of the "Sustainable D.C." plan. Presented at the Sustainable Communities Leadership Academy in Baltimore, MD on June 18th-20th.
      Play
      Jun 18, 2012
      Washington, DC

    • Video

      Laying the Groundwork for Success

      Ilana Preuss, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Smart Growth America shares key lessons learned on how to build a strong foundation to maximize and deliver on grant funded projects. Presented at the Sustainable Communities Leadership Academy in Baltimore, MD on June 18th-20th.
      Play
      Jun 18, 2012

    • Video

      It's the Economy, Stupid

      Dena Belzer. President of Strategic Economics and Tom Maziarz, Bureau Chief of Policy and Planning at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, detail the challenges of merging land use and transportation planning with long term economic development. Presented at the Sustainable Communities Leadership Academy in Baltimore, MD on June 18th-20th.
      Play
      Jun 18, 2012

    • Case Study

      From Blueprint to Strategy

      Learn how the Sacramento Blueprint helped to reduce newly developed, double numbers of people living in walkable neighborhoods, and make a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Sacramento, CA

    • Case Study

      Baltimore's Red Line

      The Baltimore Red Line represents a model for community engagement and the integration of social equity concerns and economic development in the design and construction of a large transit project.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Case Study

      The Denver Equity Atlas

      The Denver Equity Atlas supports the city's transit investment process and helps to ensure greater access to opportunity and a higher quality of life for all of the region's residents, particularly economically disadvantaged populations.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Denver, CO

    • Case Study

      The Mountain Landscape Initiative and the Region A Toolbox

      The Region A Toolbox is a comprehensive guide to land use planning and development issues created as part of the Mountain Landscapes Initiative in western North Carolina. In recent years, the region has struggled to manage rapid population growth and conflicts over land use and public policy. Faced with heightened development pressures, a rise in second-home ownership, and increased mountaintop development in the last decade, local officials and other stakeholders in the region began to seek resources to help manage growth.
      Download
      Mar 5, 2012
      Western NC

    • Case Study

      Creating an Effective Communications and Public Engagement Strategy

      The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) serves six local governments in central Virginia, including the City of Charlottesville and the surrounding Albemarle County. In 2010, TJPDC was awarded $999,000 through the HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program to support their Livable Communities Planning Project. In developing this project, the TJPDC has encountered skepticism and opposition from segments of their population that are concerned about the project's objectives, the role of the federal government in their community and the potential for planning to result in increased regulation and restriction. This experience has prompted TJPDC to develop a robust communications strategy that creates transparency, builds trust and deeply engages partners and stakeholders in the planning process.
      Download
      Mar 5, 2012
      Albermarle
      County, VA

    • Case Study

      Mobilize Maine

      For decades, Maine has faced challenges as its economy evolved from a resource-dependent industrial economy centered in rural areas, into a high-skilled post-industrial economy centered in urban areas.To address these concerns, Maine is jumpstarting its economy through an innovative statewide initiative called "Mobilize Maine" that was launched in 2009. The initiative, led by the state's Economic Development Districts, is a proactive approach to revitalize the economy by drawing on regional assets. It is also a bottom-up approach to economic development centered on private sector engagement.
      Download
      Mar 5, 2012
      Northern Maine

    • Case Study

      The Sacramento Area Council of Government's Rural-Urban Connections Strategy

      In 2002, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) completed the Sacramento Blueprint, a collaborative planning effort involving the 22 cities and six counties of the Sacramento region. While the plan represented a strong vision for urban economic development, it lacked information and data on the specific land use activities and economic assets of their rural areas. Compelled to level the playing field for these rural communities, SACOG has been using its technical expertise, refined during the Blueprint planning process, to develop a new project called the Rural-Urban Connections Strategy (RUCS) that will support rural economic development, environmental sustainability and the quality of life in these areas.
      Download
      Mar 5, 2012
      Sacramento
      Region, CA

    • Case Study

      Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Initiative

      The four counties of Southeast Florida—Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe—have been developing a promising model of government collaboration around climate adaptation by coordinating climate change mitigation and adaptation action for a region that is home to 5.5M people and nearly 1/3 of Florida's total statewide economy.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Southeast, FL

    • Case Study

      Rhode Island's KeepSpace Initiative Develops Project Selection Tool

      Rhode Island's KeepSpace project selection tool brings together the state's public agencies and private organizations to ensure that the state's programs and investments are prioritized to promote sustainable growth and empower communities.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      State of
      Rhode Island

    • Case Study

      Improving Access to Healthy Food in Boston

      The Boston Food Council supports the city to a leader among urban areas in the effort to provide residents—particularly its most underserved communities—direct access to locally produced fresh food.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Boston, MA

    • Case Study

      Envision Utah: Planning the Future of the Wasatch Front

      Learn how Envision Utah used an integrated, collaborative, scenario planning process to define a shared vision for the integration of land use and transportation that will guide development for the next 30 years.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      State of Utah

    • Presentation

      Sustainable DC Vision One-pager

      Handed out during Plenary 3: Building a Sustainable D.C. Presented by Harriet Tregoning, D.C. Office of Planning.
      Download
      Jun 20, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Connecticut Department of Transportation's Perspective on TOD

      An overview of how the CT Department of Transportation is maximizing the economic benefits of their transit investment by supporting TOD. Presented by Tom Maziarz, Bureau Chief of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Stakeholders & Champions: Mapping the Way Forward to Implementation

      Engaging stakeholders and recruiting champions are critical steps for a successful project. This presentation outlines the key steps to building these relationships. Presented by Ilana Preuss, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Smart Growth America.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Techie Tools for Civic Engagement

      An overview of a range of interactive tools (including Mindmixer and EngagingPlans) and best practices for integrating these tools into civic engagement strategies. Presented by Brad Barnett, Planning Analyst, PlaceMatters.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Values Laddering Template

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Telling Your Story Through Values." Presented by Tom Madrecki, Smart Growth America.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Values Messaging Worksheet

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Telling Your Story Through Values." Presented by Tom Madrecki, Smart Growth America.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Turning Your Consortium Into a Coalition - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Activating Your Coalition" Presented by Elisa Ortiz, Smart Growth America.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Meaningful Engagement with Marginalized Communities - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Delivering on Equity through Inclusive Engagement" Presented by Kalima Rose and Sarita Turner, PolicyLink.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Meaningful Community Engagement Planning - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Delivering on Equity through Inclusive Engagement" Presented by Kalima Rose and Sarita Turner, PolicyLink.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Planning with Equity in Mind - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Delivering on Equity through Inclusive Engagement" Presented by Kalima Rose and Sarita Turner, PolicyLink.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Fair Housing and Equity Assessment - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "Charting a New Course through Fair Housing Equity Assessments " Presented by Kalima Rose, PolicyLink, and Salin Geevarghese, HUD Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      How to Hook a Developer - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled "How to Hook a Developer: Engaging Private Partners in Transit Oriented Development" Presented by Dena Belzer, Strategic Economics, and Chris Yake, Reconnecting America.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      There's a Map for That - Handout

      Handed out during the concurrent session entitled, "Opportunity and Asset Mapping: Tools to Support Planning for Equity & Sustainability with Jason Reece, Director of Research, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity.
      Download
      Jun 19, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      It's the Economy, Stupid

      Dena Belzer, President, Strategic Economics, explores how we can map our regional economies and understand the underlying relationships between housing, jobs, and transportation.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012

    • Presentation

      Transportation Sustainability Initiatives in the City of Baltimore

      An overview of transportation related sustainability initiatives within the City of Baltimore from complete streets and bicycle programs, to light rail and LED street light conversion. Presented by Theo Ngongang, Planning Division Chief, City of Baltimore Department of Transportation.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Baltimore Integration Partnership

      An overview of the development and structure of Baltimore's Integration Partnership. Presented by Kurt Sommer, Project Director, Baltimore Integration Partnership, The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

    • Presentation

      Key Steps to Building Success

      This presentation describes 4 key steps to success that every sustainable planning grantee should know. Presented by Ilana Preuss, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Smart Growth America.
      Download
      Jun 18, 2012
      Baltimore, MD

  • Success Story

    Success Story Header

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    "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat." -Potential Quote Name

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Past Workshops