Sustainable Communities back in HUD Budget

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing to restore $100 million for its Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI), including regional planning and implementation grants, Community Challenge grants, and research and evaluation funding. In 2012, this program was removed in a deal with Congress. HUD is currently in the midst of administering 152 grants from 2010 and 2011, says Mariia Zimmerman of HUD. “We view these small, catalytic programs as opportunities for local communities and regions to develop their sustainable economic plans, and to integrate housing with transportation and economic development.”

HUD has also asked for $150 million for Choice Neighgorhoods, another key grant program associated with new urban planning principles.

See also "The surprise in the transportation budget."