San Diego Awards $19 Million in 'Smart-Growth Incentives'

San Diego's regional government awards $19 million to 14 'smart growth' projects in an innovative smart growth incentive program.

1 minute read

September 14, 2005, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Under its pilot smart-growth incentive program to ensure better urban land use, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) unanimously awarded $19.1 million in federal transportation enhancement grants to 14 transit-oriented and pedestrian-focused improvement projects, each project selected from among 33 countywide entries through competitive scoring for inducement of smart growth, streetscape upgrades, adequate completion dates and other livability factors, with special bonus points benefitting cities whose median incomes stay below the county average.

SANDAG officials told San Diego Union-Tribune writer Jeff Ristine that in the next round of grants they will use different scoring to encourage development combining transportation with high-density housing and jobs nearby. And once they start permanent smart-growth project funding in 2008 -- with about $7 million annually coming from the TransNet sales tax, extended by county voters last November -- the scoring will focus on municipal and county applicants' progress in meeting their own targets for affordable housing.

Thanks to Smart Growth Online

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 in San Diego Union Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

View of cars in traffic from behind with visible tailpipe emissions

House Moves to Rescind California’s Emissions Standards

The state has been allowed to set its own emissions goals, including a mandate to transition to electric or zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

8 minutes ago - Streetsblog California

View of Portland skyline with green trees in foreground.

Portland Proposal Would Suspend Development Fees to Spur Housing Construction

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their policy plan Thursday, with the goal to jumpstart housing construction.

1 hour ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Honolulu Community College building.

Honolulu Community College Celebrates Culture and Sustainability

Honolulu Community College brought together more than 320 students, staff, and community members for a day of Hawaiian cultural activities, music, and sustainability-focused learning at its annual Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.

2 hours ago - University of Hawai'i News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO