HUD Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Awards

HUD announces award of nearly $100 million in grants under the Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Program

On October 14, 2010, HUD announced the first recipients of the Sustainable Communities and Regional Planning Grant Program. Across the US, 45 regional areas will receive part of the nearly $100 million in funding. This new program will assist State, local, and tribal governments to create and implement regional plans that integrate affordable housing, economic development, land use and transportation to build livable, sustainable communities. As part of the Administration’s Partnership for Sustainable Communities, both EPA and DOT helped develop this program and reviewed applications.

Two awards totally $5.5 million were given in California, including $1.5 million to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for the construction of housing and employment centers in high-frequency transit areas, including using CEQA streamlining under SB 375. The funds will also be used to integrate natural resources planning with other local and regional planning, and a study of how to better integrate federal, state, regional and local plans, policies and programs.

The second award in California was $4 million to the California State University, Fresno Foundation for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley’s "Smart Valley Places" initiative. The effort includes 14 Valley cities, Fresno State, regional planners and nonprofit agencies to explore efficient development of housing, regional transportation, and commerce.

Link to HUD announcement