Smart growth encourages development that creates healthy, vibrant places and gives people greater opportunity and choice. How can smart growth investments support equitable development, environmental justice and economic vitality and empower communities of color, tribes and disadvantaged groups to shape the neighborhoods, communities and regions where they live? The pre-conference workshop and related conference sessions will explore these critical issues and showcase strategies and opportunities for greater collaboration among the smart growth, equitable development and environmental justice communities.

During the February 3rd workshop, you will get to know federal, state, local and tribal tools and programs that support equitable development. You will also hear from community leaders who have forged successful partnerships and explore why integrating these efforts is critical and necessary to right past wrongs, revitalize America's disadvantaged communities, grow the economy and create healthy and sustainable communities.

Several conference sessions on equity and environmental justice issues are featured: Civil Rights Groups and the Smart Growth Movement; Smart Growth and Tribes; Equitable Development in Asian Communities; Remaking Older Cities, Re-imagining Metro Areas; Equity in the Suburbs; Regional Organizing and Environmental Justice; Equity and Environmental Protection in Transit-Oriented Communities; Bringing an Equity Focus to Smart Growth by Engaging Marginalized Populations; Regional Organizing and Environmental Justice; and Talking about Race and Smart Growth.

The plenary on "Smart Growth at the Intersection of Environmental Justice and Green Jobs" will also articulate how smart growth can foster green jobs, social equity and affordable housing, as our nation moves towards a more sustainable, green economy.

Diversity Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships and travel stipends are available to leaders from lower-income and minority communities, as well as representatives from organizations whose work is primarily focused on social equity and environmental justice. For more details or to apply for a diversity scholarship, please contact Shani Alford at [email protected] or 916-448-1198 x330.

Registration and Hotel Reservations: Register online now for the conference, and before the January 15 deadline. The special $159 room rate at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel is available until January 13.

Related Link Title
See the New Partners for Smart Growth conference web site. Web link: www.NewPartners.org

For more information:
Michele Warren, Local Government Commission
1303 J St., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814 US
phone: 916-448-1198 ext. 308; email: [email protected]