Dear Planners, I wanted to let you know about new free technical assistance that <http://livabilitysolutions.org/> Livability Solutions [ <http://livabilitysolutions.org/> http://livabilitysolutions.org/] partners (one of which is the Center for Transportation and the Environment at ITRE at NCSU) are offering to help communities implement sustainable and smart growth development and programs. This program is made possible by a grant from <http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm> US EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities under their Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program [ <http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm> http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm]. Livability Solutions is now <http://livabilitysolutions.org/?p=690> accepting applications through Friday, November 2nd for the second year of this program from communities interested in receiving this technical assistance. Working with the partners to lead one- to two-day workshops, the Livability Solutions team will be training communities on how to use tools and workshop approaches - <http://livabilitysolutions.org/?page_id=7> such as street audits, green infrastructure valuation guides, and transit-oriented development planning [ <http://livabilitysolutions.org/?page_id=7> http://livabilitysolutions.org/?page_id=7] - that will help them achieve their goals of enhancing livability, creating lasting economic and environmental improvements, and improving public and social health of their residents. Six to twelve communities will be selected to receive this technical assistance. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your contacts or including in any newsletters you distribute. ** Livability Solutions will also host a webinar on Wednesday, October 10th, 3:00-4:15pm EST to further discuss this technical assistance opportunity, the available tools, and the process. Register for the webinar [ <https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=m6mpk8txdt9b> https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=m6mpk8txdt9b]. ** This grant from EPA makes it possible for PPS and partners at our newly formed <http://www.pps.org/wp-admin/www.pps.org/plts> Livability Solutions confederation to work with even more communities around the country. We are looking for applications from communities with a strong interest in and commitment to livability, smart growth, and sustainability principles, but that face a significant challenge or barrier to moving forward on those issues. This targeted technical assistance will provide selected communities with tools and improved capacity to achieve the livability, smart growth, and sustainability goals they have set. For more information on the technical assistance, our providers, the tools that we offer, and how to apply, please see the Livability Solutions <http://livabilitysolutions.org/> website (above). If you have questions about the program, or are interested in sponsoring additional technical assistances, please email <mailto:livabilitysolutions@pps.org> livabilitysolutions(a)pps.org Sincerely, -Steve ------------------------------------------ Stephen John (Steve) Gurganus, AICP Research Associate Center for Transportation & the Environment, ITRE North Carolina State University Centennial Campus, Box 8601 Raleigh, NC 27695-8601 (O) 919.515.9351 (F) 919.515.8898 mailto: <mailto:steve_gurganus@ncsu.edu> steve_gurganus(a)ncsu.edu ------------------------------------------ PS - There are also two other organizations currently offering free technical assistance through EPA's Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program: <http://globalgreen.org/leedndtechassist> Global Green [ <https://globalgreen26418.thankyou4caring.org/leedndtechassist> https://globalgreen26418.thankyou4caring.org/leedndtechassist] - Through a 3-day intensive visit and consultation, the technical experts on the Global Green team will evaluate how the sustainability of a specific neighborhood can be enhanced through an upcoming catalytic project by applying metrics from the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system and developing actionable recommendations for our grant recipients. <http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/technical-assistance/free-annual-workshop s> Smart Growth America [ <http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/technical-assistance/free-annual-workshop s> http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/technical-assistance/free-annual-workshops ] - Each year Smart Growth America offers free assistance to local communities interested in building stronger local economies and creating great neighborhoods. These workshops will be awarded to a limited number of qualifying communities. Communities interested in receiving free technical assistance from Smart Growth America are invited to join our informational <https://cc.readytalk.com/r/hj26dtjshnho> webinar on Thursday, September 27th at 2:00 pm EST. -Steve ------------------------------------------ Stephen John (Steve) Gurganus, AICP Research Associate Center for Transportation & the Environment, ITRE North Carolina State University Centennial Campus, Box 8601 Raleigh, NC 27695-8601 (O) 919.515.9351 (F) 919.515.8898 mailto: steve_gurganus(a)ncsu.edu ------------------------------------------