National

HUD Targets 17 Communities for 'Choice Neighborhoods' Grants
   Most of the selected sites will receive planning grants of $300,000. The grants are awarded to agencies and organizations which have completed a local planning process and are ready to target specific neighborhoods.
posted 10/19/12 12:02 PM  read complete story

EPA Offers Funding for Smart Growth Conferences
   The grantee will receive an $800,000 grant to plan and hold events. Governments, public and private colleges and universities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits are among those eligible to submit applications.
posted 10/16/12 1:11 PM  read complete story

Think Tank Urges Reform of Highway Funding Formulas
   The report says Congress failed to fix ineffective funding rules which redirect billions in federal financing from states with the most crucial infrastructure needs to states with fewer needs.
posted 10/3/12 10:59 AM  read complete story

City Finance Officers Paint Bleak Picture of Recession's Effects
   City revenues have declined due to a struggling housing market, slow consumer spending, and high unemployment. As such, cities have had to cut personnel, infrastructure investments, and crucial services.
posted 10/2/12 4:15 PM  read complete story

DOT To Dole Out $72.5 Million for University Transportation Centers
    The department plans to fund five national UTCs with an award of $3 million each. A group of 10 regional transportation centers will be awarded $2.75 million each, and up to 20 Tier I transportation centers will be awarded $1.5 million each.
posted 10/2/12 2:26 PM  read complete story

Smart Growth Strategies Limit Greenhouse Gas Emission, Study Finds
   In developing compact, walkable cities with housing and job opportunities centrally located, smart growth strategies shorten commutes for residents and reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, the study finds.
posted 9/26/12 6:37 PM  read complete story

Trainings Offered for Emerging CDFIs
   The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund will launch a new training and technical assistance series to provide specialized training and technical assistance for emerging Community Development Financial Institutions.
posted 9/24/12 1:58 PM  read complete story

Farm Labor Housing Program Funding Deadline Extended
   The Rural Housing Services will extend the deadline for grant funding for the USDA's Farm Labor Housing Program from Sept. 17 to Oct. 31.
posted 9/24/12 1:54 PM  read complete story

Art Collaboration Seeks to Invest $12 Million in Creative Communities
   ArtPlace plans to invest in art and culture projects in all 50 states and U.S. territories, and is now seeking letters of inquiry from communities working with arts organizations, as well as artists and designers working with partners to create more vibrant communities.
posted 9/18/12 4:31 PM  read complete story

Select Rural States Targeted for Economic Development Grants
   The Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Rural Initiative Program seeks proposals for grants of up to $25,000 each to help strengthen rural towns.
posted 9/18/12 4:07 PM  read complete story